UN Peacekeepers Report Israeli Drone Intrusion, Sound Bomb Detonation Near Lebanon Border
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A UN peacekeeping force has accused the Israeli army of violating international law and UN Security Council resolutions after a drone, allegedly belonging to Israel, crossed the Blue Line and deployed a sound bomb near a patrol in southern Lebanon. The incident raises fresh concerns about escalating tensions in the region and the safety of peacekeepers.
On Thursday, during a routine patrol near Kfar Kila, UNIFIL soldiers observed two drones flying in what they described as a “hostile manner.” One of the drones was observed carrying an unidentified object and entered an area deemed a direct threat to the soldiers’ safety.
Defensive Action and Sound Bomb Deployment
According to a statement released by UNIFIL, the peacekeeping soldiers “took defensive action against this threat.” Shortly after, the drone released a sound bomb which detonated approximately 50 meters from the patrol. The drone then retreated, heading towards Israeli territory. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the peacekeeping forces, and the patrol was able to continue its mission.
Prior Notification and Resolution 1701 Violation
UNIFIL stated that it had informed both the Israeli and Lebanese armies of planned activities in sensitive areas near the Blue Line the previous day, a standard procedure for all such operations. Based on the circumstances, the peacekeeping force concluded that the drone originated from the Israeli army and crossed the Blue Line, constituting a violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
“This use of an armed drone is unacceptable,” a UNIFIL spokesperson stated. “We once again remind the Israeli army of its duty to respect the Blue Line, ensure the safety of peacekeepers, and stop attacks on or near them.”
Implications for Regional Stability
The incident is a significant breach of Resolution 1701, which was adopted in 2006 to end the war between Israel and Hezbollah. The resolution calls for a ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon, and the deployment of UNIFIL to monitor the cessation of hostilities.
The peacekeeping force emphasized that the Israeli army’s actions not only violate Resolution 1701 and international law but also “impede the tasks assigned to peacekeeping forces by the Security Council, and jeopardize efforts to rebuild stability along the Blue Line.” The deployment of an armed drone and the use of a sound bomb represent a dangerous escalation and could potentially undermine the fragile peace in the region.
The situation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by UNIFIL in maintaining stability along the Lebanon-Israel border and highlights the need for increased adherence to international law and UN resolutions by all parties involved.
