The United Nations has announced that it will not withdraw its peacekeepers from southern Lebanon despite pressure from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) will remain in its positions near the border with Israel, even as clashes between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah have intensified. The decision to keep UNIFIL in place has the backing of the U.N. Security Council and member states contributing troops to the force.
Tensions have escalated in the region, with rockets being fired, and numerous casualties reported. Israel has accused UNIFIL of failing to stabilize the area as Hezbollah’s presence has grown. The recent incidents of Israeli forces firing on UNIFIL positions have drawn international criticism, with Spain, France, and Italy condemning the actions. President Joe Biden has urged Israel to stop targeting peacekeepers.
Netanyahu has claimed that UNIFIL is providing cover for Hezbollah terrorists and has called for the U.N. peacekeepers to be removed from the region. Israel has accused UNIFIL of collaborating with Hezbollah, and the relationship between Israel and the United Nations has deteriorated as a result. Israel is considering a response to the missile barrage launched by Iran, but has indicated that it may opt for a more limited counter-strike to prevent a full-scale war. Biden has stated that he does not support an Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear sites, but acknowledges Israel’s right to respond to the attacks.
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