Tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border escalated Sunday with a concerning incident involving UN peacekeeping forces [[2]]. The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported that Israeli forces fired upon its peacekeepers, raising questions about the stability of the existing ceasefire with Hezbollah and prompting calls for an immediate inquiry [[3]]. This latest event occurs amidst ongoing regional volatility and underscores the delicate balance maintained by international observers in southern Lebanon.
Jakarta –
Israeli forces fired upon United Nations peacekeeping troops in southern Lebanon on Sunday, November 16, 2025, near established military positions, according to a statement released by the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The incident raises concerns about the ongoing ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah and the safety of international observers.
The peacekeeping force has been working with the Lebanese army to maintain the ceasefire, which was reached in November of last year, between Israel and the Lebanese militant group, Hezbollah.
“This morning, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) fired at UNIFIL peacekeepers from a Merkava tank located near established Israeli positions within Lebanese territory,” UNIFIL stated.
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The peacekeeping force reported that heavy machine gun fire impacted an area approximately five meters from their personnel.
UNIFIL confirmed that the tank withdrew back into Israeli territory approximately thirty minutes after the incident.
The peacekeeping mission characterized the shooting as “a serious violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701,” which brought an end to the 2006 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah and currently underpins the November ceasefire.
That ceasefire aimed to end more than a year of hostilities that erupted following the start of the war in Gaza.
Under the terms of the agreement, Israel was expected to withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon, though it has maintained a presence in five strategically important areas.
Israel has continued to conduct regular strikes within Lebanon, often stating that these operations target Hezbollah locations and activities.
This is not the first time UNIFIL has accused Israel of endangering its peacekeeping forces.
“We once again urge the IDF to cease all aggressive behavior and attacks towards or near UNIFIL peacekeepers,” the force stated.
Israel responded to the reports, claiming “there was no intentional firing” towards the UN peacekeeping forces in Lebanon.
(lir/lir)
