'Israel' denies deliberately targeting UN peacekeepers in Lebanon

The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) said Wednesday that it did not intentionally target United Nations peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, after UN forces reported that 'Israeli' drones dropped grenades near their personnel earlier this week.

In a statement, the IOF said its forces had “identified suspicious activity” near their positions and “deployed several (stun) grenades in the vicinity to disrupt and remove the potential threat,” stressing that “no intentional fire was directed at UNIFIL personnel.”

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) described the incident on Tuesday as one of the most serious attacks on its personnel and assets since last November’s ceasefire agreement.

According to UNIFIL, one grenade landed within 20 meters of its personnel and vehicles, while three others fell around 100 meters away. The peacekeepers had been clearing roadblocks that were obstructing access to a UN position southeast of the village of Marwahin.

“Any actions endangering UN peacekeepers and assets, and interference with their mandated tasks are unacceptable and a serious violation of Resolution 1701 and international law,” UNIFIL said, referring to the UN resolution that ended hostilities between 'Israel' and Hezbollah in 2006.

Al Jazeera described the incident as “a message by the Israeli army that it will not allow anyone to reach areas near the border.” 

UNIFIL, established in 1978, patrols Lebanon’s southern border with 'Israel'. Last week, the UN Security Council unanimously extended the mission until the end of 2026, after which a yearlong drawdown and withdrawal will take place.

'Israel' and the United States have long pushed for UNIFIL’s reduction, accusing the mission of providing political cover for Hezbollah and failing to disarm the group, a responsibility that is not part of the UN mandate.

Meanwhile, 'Israel' continues to occupy at least five positions in southern Lebanon, in violation of the November 2024 ceasefire. Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem has rejected calls to disarm, warning that Lebanon’s sovereignty depends on ending Israeli “aggression.”