Statements from UN member states or international organizations

Netanyahu Tells UN: "Get UNIFIL Forces Out of Harm's Way"; Warns of "Hezbollah Hostages"

Oct 13, 2024, 10:35 AM

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called on United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to immediately evacuate UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) peacekeeping forces from southern Lebanon. Netanyahu warned that the UN's refusal to withdraw the troops is turning them into "hostages of Hezbollah" and endangering their lives. He urged, "Get the UNIFIL forces out of harm's way. It should be done right now, immediately." Netanyahu accused UNIFIL of effectively protecting Hezbollah fighters by remaining in the area, which he referred to as Hezbollah strongholds and combat zones. He stated that Israel has repeatedly requested the evacuation of UNIFIL soldiers, but these requests have been rejected by the UN, providing a "human shield" for Hezbollah terrorists. Netanyahu also highlighted that Hezbollah has launched over 10,000 rockets, killing dozens of Israeli civilians, in violation of UN Resolution 1701.