### UN Alleges Israeli Tank Incursion at UNIFIL Post in Southern Lebanon

The United Nations peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon has reported that Israeli tanks forced their way into one of its positions amid escalating hostilities in the region. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on the UN to evacuate its troops from areas of combat.

UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) stated that two Israeli tanks "destroyed the position’s main gate and forcibly entered the position" over the weekend. Shortly after, explosions occurred 100 meters away, causing smoke to envelop the base and making 15 personnel ill despite wearing gas masks. The origins of the shells and the nature of the toxic substance remain unknown.

The Israeli military's version of events differed, stating that Hezbollah fighters launched anti-tank missiles, injuring 25 Israeli soldiers near a UNIFIL post. An Israeli tank backing up under heavy fire inadvertently entered the UNIFIL base, according to military spokesperson Nadav Shoshani. The Israeli military clarified that their use of a smoke screen to evacuate the wounded posed no danger to the peacekeepers.

Shortly after the incident, Prime Minister Netanyahu called on the UN to withdraw UNIFIL forces from combat zones in Lebanon, arguing that their presence provides “human shields” for Hezbollah. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned Netanyahu’s demand, accusing Israel of disregarding international norms.

Hezbollah has denied accusations by Israel that it uses the proximity of peacekeepers to shield its fighters. Ray Murphy, a former UNIFIL peacekeeper, described the incident as a deliberate act by Israeli forces, stressing that UN peacekeepers operate under international humanitarian law and are non-combatants focused on delivering humanitarian aid.

This clash is part of a broader escalation, with Israel and Hezbollah exchanging near-daily fire since October. The recent violence has killed more than 2,100 people and displaced over 1.2 million, according to Lebanese authorities. Over the past few weeks, five peacekeepers have been injured in attacks that UNIFIL largely attributes to Israeli forces.

International reaction has been strong, with the United States and European countries urging Israel to cease targeting peacekeepers. US President Joe Biden and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have both expressed their concerns, with Meloni calling it "unacceptable" for UNIFIL to be attacked by Israeli forces. Netanyahu expressed regret for any harm done to UNIFIL personnel but reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to win the conflict.