UNIFIL Says Israeli Tank Fired Near Peacekeepers in South Lebanon

Overview

• UNIFIL reports heavy machine-gun fire from a Merkava positioned near an Israeli post inside Lebanese territory passed about five meters from a foot patrol in El Hamames.
• The peacekeepers took cover and left safely after contacting Israeli forces through official channels, and the tank withdrew.
• The Israeli military says soldiers fired warning shots at two suspects and later realized they were UN personnel, citing poor weather for the misidentification.
• UNIFIL calls the incident a grave violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which restricts armed forces operating in southern Lebanon.
• Lebanon’s army condemned Israeli sovereignty violations, as Israel maintains five positions in the south and conducts strikes it says target Hezbollah under the post-2024 ceasefire context.