UN peacemakers in Lebanon say Israeli tank rammed their vehicles, causing significant damage

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said Sunday that an Israeli tank rammed its vehicles in southern Lebanon, causing significant damage and restricting the movement of peacekeepers in the area.

In a statement, the mission said Israeli soldiers used a Merkava tank to strike its vehicles on two occasions, including one incident that caused heavy damage.

“The soldiers had blocked a road in Bayada that is used to access UNIFIL positions,” UNIFIL said.

The peacekeeping mission said Israeli forces had fired “warning shots” over the past week, some of which struck clearly marked UN vehicles.

In one instance, a shot landed about one meter from a peacekeeper who had exited his vehicle, it added.

UNIFIL said Israeli troops have repeatedly blocked peacekeepers’ access along the same road in recent days and restricted movement in other areas, complicating their operations.

It also reported that Israeli forces had destroyed surveillance cameras at its headquarters in Naqoura and at five additional positions along the Blue Line stretching from Ras Naqoura to Maroun al-Ras since early April.

“These actions are inconsistent with Israel’s obligations under Security Council resolution 1701 and the requirement to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers, as well as their freedom of movement at all times,” UNIFIL said.

The mission warned that such incidents “hinder peacekeepers’ ability to report violations by both sides on the ground."

“Peacekeepers will remain in position and will continue to impartially report violations we observe to the Security Council,” it added.

The incidents come as Israel continues its offensive in Lebanon with airstrikes, artillery fire, and ground incursions, while Hezbollah fighters say they are confronting those incursions and targeting Israeli military sites with rockets and drones.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday that Israel would escalate operations in Lebanon and would not agree to negotiations unless Hezbollah is disarmed and a peace agreement “that endures for generations” is reached.

The escalation comes as Lebanon’s presidency said Friday that Beirut and Israel agreed to hold their first meeting in Washington on April 14, a move condemned by Hezbollah.