Russia demands prompt probe into threats against UN peacekeepers in Lebanon

Russia’s envoy to the UN, Vasily Nebenzya, said Tuesday that all incidents involving threats to peacekeepers in Lebanon must be promptly investigated and those responsible punished.

Addressing a UN Security Council meeting on the Middle East, Nebenzya said accountability must be ensured regardless of status.

"Israel has no respect for the authority of UN peacekeepers. The UN Interim Force in Lebanon has been forced for two days to seek permission from the Israeli military command to move its patrols. However, even this is not a panacea," he said.

He added that Blue Helmets face various obstacles, including being shot at, "including from tanks," which has already resulted in casualties among peacekeepers.

"To prevent UN personnel from seeing anything inappropriate, their external surveillance cameras are disabled. We demand a prompt investigation into all incidents involving threats to the security of peacekeepers. Those responsible must receive their deserved punishment, regardless of their status," he stressed.

Russia also called on all parties to respect the ceasefire and fully comply with UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which implies, among other provisions, the withdrawal of Israeli units from Lebanese territory.

"Without this condition, any peace agreements will remain extremely unstable, as happened with the truce reached in November 2024," he said.

The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was established following the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1978 under a UN Security Council resolution.

Its mandate is renewed every six months, and the mission currently includes approximately 8,200 personnel from 47 countries.

Russian peacekeepers are not part of the mission.