Israel Expands Operations Against Hezbollah: Tensions with UN Peacekeeping Forces Grow

The conflicts between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon continue to escalate after Israeli airstrikes killed at least 21 people in the north of the country. Health officials reported that the attack hit a Christian town where families had sought refuge. This escalation prompted millions of Israelis to seek shelter as the Israeli army intensified its operations in various regions, including the Bekaa Valley and southern suburbs of Beirut. The United Nations Security Council expressed serious concern on Monday after several UN peace posts came under fire. Tensions between the Israeli forces and the UN mission UNIFIL have increased, as Israel reportedly sent tanks into a UN base. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected accusations that Israeli troops had deliberately endangered UN personnel and urged peacekeepers to withdraw from the combat zones. Netanyahu emphasized Israel's right to self-defense against Hezbollah and regretted any endangerment of UNIFIL staff. However, UNIFIL remains firmly committed to continuing its mission. Andrea Tenenti, a spokesperson for UNIFIL, affirmed the mission's commitment to remain present in the region to uphold the international flag. The Israeli military strategy involves uncovering Hezbollah's tunnel systems located near UN positions. Since the start of ground operations along the border, Israeli forces report the destruction of numerous tunnel and rocket facilities of Hezbollah. Amidst these geographic and political tensions, the Middle East remains highly vigilant against possible Israeli retaliatory measures against Iran due to previous missile attacks.