Israel in the Crossfire of International Criticism: UN Draws Red Line over Attacks in Lebanon

The United Nations has sharply condemned Israel, accusing it of a "blatant breach" of international law after Israeli tanks entered a UN peacekeeper position in southern Lebanon on Sunday. The incident occurred hours before Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on international forces to withdraw from conflict zones. Israel is under international scrutiny, as several members of UNIFIL—the UN force along the de facto border between Israel and Lebanon—were injured by Israeli fire last week. According to the Lebanese military, Israeli airstrikes also killed two Lebanese soldiers. UN peacekeepers reported that on Sunday, IDF tanks forcibly destroyed the main gate of their position in Ramiya and demanded that the base turn off its lights. Following the incident, Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni sharply criticized Netanyahu over the "unacceptable" attacks on UNIFIL. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also expressed his "deep concern" in a conversation with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant. In a video, Netanyahu rejected the allegations, stating that the simplest way to prevent harm to UNIFIL soldiers would be to withdraw them from the danger zone. Lebanon's Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, firmly rejected Netanyahu's demand, emphasizing Lebanon's commitment to the 2006 UN resolution, which stipulates UNIFIL's presence. Fighting in the rugged terrain of southern Lebanon continued on Sunday, with Hezbollah reporting clashes with Israeli troops and firing 115 rockets at Israel. Lebanese health organizations reported that 15 people were killed by Israeli airstrikes on Saturday, and reported damage to three hospitals in the Bekaa region. The Lebanese Red Cross stated that four rescuers were injured. Israeli forces also expanded their offensive in northern Gaza to encircle Jabalia, an area that was formerly a densely populated refugee camp. In recent days, the Israeli military has forced thousands of civilians from northern Gaza to relocate to an overcrowded "humanitarian zone" in the south.