On October 11, 2024, vehicles belonging to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) were seen patrolling Marjeyoun, a town in southern Lebanon, amidst escalating conflict between Hezbollah and Israel. Reports indicate that defense ministers from EU countries participating in UNIFIL convened for a video conference organized by Italy and France, where they jointly condemned the Israeli attacks on the UN mission. The ministers have pledged to exert significant political and diplomatic pressure on Israel to deter further incidents against the UN.
Since September 23, Israel has been conducting extensive airstrikes in Lebanon as part of operation referred to as "Arrows of the North," escalating tensions with Hezbollah. UNIFIL reported an alarming incident where their peacekeepers in southern Lebanon witnessed an Israeli Merkava tank launching fire at one of their watchtowers, resulting in damage to equipment and the structure itself. This incident has been characterized by UN peacekeepers as a deliberate attack by Israeli forces.
An expert from the Middle East Studies Institute has noted that while the EU's maximum pressure campaign may not bring about significant changes in Israeli behavior, the possibility of imposing economic sanctions remains. The expert further pointed out that the United States, despite having some differing views with Israel, consistently provides military support and equipment, exemplified by the recent deployment of a THAAD missile system to Israel. The ongoing tension between UN peacekeeping forces and Israel is expected to endure for the foreseeable future.
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