Incident Near Lebanese-Israeli Border
Tensions flared once again along the Lebanese-Israeli border on Tuesday morning when Israeli drones released four grenades near United Nations peacekeepers operating in southern Lebanon. The incident occurred as UN forces carried out a pre-arranged road clearance operation close to the village of Marwahin, situated less than a kilometer from the frontier.
According to UN sources, one grenade landed as close as 20 meters from UN personnel and their vehicles, while three others detonated roughly 100 meters away. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) had previously notified the Israeli military of its activities in the area, raising alarm over the nature of the attack.
UN officials described the strike as one of the most serious threats to its mission since the November 2024 ceasefire agreement that temporarily halted hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.
Israeli Military’s Explanation
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) later issued a statement clarifying its position. According to Israeli military officials, troops had observed what they termed “suspicious activity” in the area and deployed stun grenades in response. They insisted that no direct fire was aimed at UN personnel and stressed that the intention was to deter potential threats, not to target peacekeepers.
“The safety of Israeli civilians and forces remains our top priority,” the IDF said, while reiterating that peacekeepers had not been deliberately attacked.
Despite these assurances, UNIFIL disputed Israel’s characterization. Officials from the peacekeeping force pointed out that the operation had been communicated in advance to Israeli authorities, making it difficult to accept the explanation that the attack was accidental.
UNIFIL’s Strong Condemnation
In a strongly worded statement, UNIFIL condemned the attack and immediately suspended its clearance work for security reasons. The force emphasized that the incident violated both international law and Security Council Resolution 1701, which underpins its mandate in southern Lebanon.
“Any actions endangering UN peacekeepers and assets, and interference with their mandated tasks, are unacceptable,” UNIFIL declared. The statement added that Israel, as a party to the ceasefire agreement, bears responsibility for ensuring the safety of UN troops carrying out their duties.
UNIFIL described the episode as “one of the most serious attacks on its personnel and assets since last November’s cessation of hostilities,” highlighting the fragility of the current peace along the border.
Broader Diplomatic Fallout
The timing of the incident has heightened international concern, coming only days after the UN Security Council unanimously extended UNIFIL’s mandate until December 31, 2026. The resolution includes a provision for a gradual, year-long withdrawal beginning in 2027, signaling the mission’s eventual conclusion.
The compromise extension was reached after weeks of debate between France, which supported a routine renewal, and the United States and Israel, which pushed for a more limited role for UNIFIL. The council ultimately agreed to maintain the mission for two more years while preparing for its phase-out.
UNIFIL has operated in Lebanon since 1978 but was significantly reinforced after the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah. Resolution 1701, passed in the aftermath of that conflict, requires Hezbollah to withdraw north of the Litani River and grants authority only to the Lebanese Armed Forces and UNIFIL in the southern border zone.
International Reactions
France, a major contributor to UNIFIL, issued a swift condemnation of the attack. The French foreign ministry described the strike as a violation of international law and called on Israel to respect the November 27, 2024 ceasefire agreement. “The protection of peacekeepers and the security of UN personnel, assets, and premises must be guaranteed under Resolution 1701,” the ministry said.
Lebanese officials also criticized the incident, viewing it as another example of what they describe as Israeli disregard for UN mandates and sovereignty. Hezbollah, which has remained largely silent since the ceasefire, did not immediately comment.
Escalating Border Tensions
The southern Lebanese border region has long been a flashpoint of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. The November 2024 ceasefire brought an end to 14 months of deadly clashes but left many issues unresolved. Sporadic incidents, such as the grenade attack, underline the fragile nature of the truce.
Security analysts note that attacks on UN personnel undermine the ability of peacekeepers to carry out their mission and risk reigniting broader conflict. “An incident like this sends a dangerous signal,” one regional expert said. “If UNIFIL cannot operate safely, the security vacuum could encourage renewed hostilities.”
Looking Ahead
As the Security Council begins preparing for UNIFIL’s eventual withdrawal, the latest attack underscores the difficulties of maintaining peace in one of the world’s most volatile regions. For now, peacekeepers remain on high alert while diplomatic channels work to prevent further escalation.
Whether the grenade strike was an accident, as Israel claims, or a deliberate act, as UNIFIL suggests, the incident has already strained relations between Israel and the United Nations. With international stakeholders watching closely, the future of peacekeeping operations in southern Lebanon faces new uncertainty.
Sources: Dawn
