Netanyahu Demands UNIFIL Exit After Drone Attack, Denies Targeting Peacekeepers, Alleges Hezbollah Misuses UN Posts

Oct 14, 2024, 06:15 PM

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to move away from southern Lebanon to avoid being caught in ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. Netanyahu denied accusations that Israel deliberately attacked UN peacekeepers, stating that Israel regrets any harm done to UNIFIL personnel and is making every effort to prevent casualties among peacekeepers while it continues operations against Hezbollah. The Prime Minister accused Hezbollah of using UNIFIL positions as cover for attacks, including Sunday's drone attack that claimed Israeli lives, and alleged that UNIFIL is providing a "human shield to Hezbollah terrorists." Israel's UN Ambassador, Danny Danon, also criticized Hezbollah for using UNIFIL outposts and called it incomprehensible that peacekeepers are left in harm's way. The Israeli army released images allegedly showing Hezbollah tunnel shafts near a UNIFIL base. Israel notes that 326 UNIFIL peacekeepers have lost their lives since 1978 and emphasizes the need for UNIFIL to temporarily relocate to ensure their safety.