The latest Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon occurred amid ongoing efforts by the Lebanese Armed Forces to control unauthorized weapons and infrastructure in the region, marking a year since the announced cessation of hostilities. The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) urged the Israel Defense Forces to use established liaison and coordination channels and cautioned Lebanese actors against actions that could escalate tensions further. The UN Security Council is currently in Lebanon to meet with national authorities following a recent visit to Syria.
UNIFIL described the airstrikes as clear violations of Security Council resolution 1701, the agreement that ended hostilities between Israeli forces and Hezbollah in 2006. The strikes, along with a separate incident in Bint Jbeil where peacekeepers were fired upon by individuals on mopeds, underline the continuing risks faced by personnel on the ground. No injuries were reported in the latter attack, but UNIFIL stressed that assaults on peacekeepers constitute serious breaches of the resolution.
The peacekeeping force continues to closely monitor the situation in southern Lebanon, supporting both Israeli and Lebanese parties in adhering to their commitments under resolution 1701. UNIFIL emphasized the importance of maintaining stability and safeguarding the progress achieved since the end of hostilities.
