In a statement on October 13, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said two Israeli Mekava tanks broke through the main gate and stormed the force's base in the Ramia area, southern Lebanon at 4:30 a.m. (local time), according to AFP.
Israel fires on peacekeeping positions in Lebanon
The Israelis ordered the base to turn off all lights. The two tanks left 45 minutes later after UNIFIL protested through communication channels. Two hours later, multiple shots were fired about 100 meters from the base, sending smoke into the base, causing skin irritation and gastrointestinal reactions to 15 UNIFIL soldiers.
Israeli soldiers patrol near a UNIFIL base in southern Lebanon on October 13.
Israel did not immediately comment. On October 13, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on UNIFIL to immediately withdraw its peacekeeping force from southern Lebanon, where Israel is fighting Hezbollah. Netanyahu accused Hezbollah of using international troops as human shields, according to The Times of Israel .
On October 12, Israeli soldiers allegedly blocked the movement of vital UNIFIL supplies near the Mais al-Jabal area in southern Lebanon. A spokesman for the UN force said UNIFIL would remain in the area despite five soldiers being injured and facilities damaged in the Israel-Hezbollah fighting.
UNIFIL armored vehicles patrol in southern Lebanon on October 11.
On 10 October, UNIFIL said an Israeli tank opened fire, injuring two Indonesian peacekeepers who fell from their watchtower. A day later, explosions near an observation tower near Naqura wounded two Sri Lankan soldiers, in what Israel said was an immediate response to a threat near UN positions. Another UNIFIL soldier was wounded by gunfire on the evening of 11 October.
Many countries have condemned Israel after the above incidents. Prime Minister Netanyahu said Israel regretted the injuries to peacekeepers and said it was doing what was necessary to prevent them. However, he stressed that the simplest way would be for UNIFIL to withdraw from the danger zone.
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