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Netanyahu Urges UN to Relocate Lebanon Peacekeepers

4 hours ago
4 hours ago


Netanyahu Urges UN to Remove Peacekeepers from Southern Lebanon

In a bold move, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called on the United Nations to relocate its peacekeeping forces from southern Lebanon, citing Hezbollah’s use of them as "human shields."

Background Information

  • UNIFIL, a mission comprised of about 9,500 troops from various nations, was established after Israel’s invasion of Lebanon in 1978.
  • The peacekeepers are currently responsible for monitoring a ceasefire that ended the 2006 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
  • Recent attacks on UNIFIL forces have sparked international condemnation, with 40 contributor nations calling for a halt to the violence.

    Netanyahu’s Appeal

  • Netanyahu has urged UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to move UNIFIL forces out of harm’s way immediately.
  • The Israeli Prime Minister argues that the presence of peacekeepers in the region provides Hezbollah with human shields, endangering both the troops and Israeli soldiers.
  • Despite Israeli requests for withdrawal, UNIFIL has refused to vacate its positions in southern Lebanon, leading to escalating tensions in the area.

    International Response

  • Criticism of Israel’s actions has been met with pushback from Netanyahu, who believes the blame should be placed on Hezbollah for using UNIFIL as a shield.
  • Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati has condemned Netanyahu’s call for UNIFIL’s departure, labeling it a departure from international norms.
  • Netanyahu also drew parallels between Hezbollah’s use of UNIFIL as a shield and Hamas’s use of UNRWA in Gaza, highlighting the complex dynamics in the region.

    In conclusion, the escalating tensions in southern Lebanon underscore the delicate balance of power in the region and the challenges faced by international peacekeeping forces. The call for UNIFIL’s withdrawal reflects the high stakes involved and the need for diplomatic solutions to prevent further conflict. Both Israel and Hezbollah must navigate these complexities to ensure the safety of civilians and peacekeepers in the region.

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