Israel Fires at UN Peacekeeping Forces in South Lebanon
Yaroun, Lebanon – Israeli forces fired toward a UNIFIL patrol in southern Lebanon on Friday, November 17, 2023, prompting condemnation from the peacekeeping mission and escalating tensions along the volatile border. No injuries were reported among the peacekeepers. The incident occurred near the town of Yaroun, where Israel has recently constructed a controversial concrete wall.
The shooting represents a perilous escalation in a region already on edge due too ongoing clashes between Israel and Hezbollah. The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has been monitoring the area for violations of the Blue Line – the internationally recognized border between Lebanon and Israel – and has repeatedly called for restraint. This latest event raises concerns about the safety of UN personnel and the potential for wider conflict, as diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation continue.
UNIFIL reported that the patrol was conducting a routine observation when it came under fire. “Shots were fired in the vicinity of UNIFIL peacekeepers,” a statement from the mission read. “UNIFIL is investigating the incident and is in contact with the Israel Defense forces (IDF) to ascertain the circumstances.”
The incident follows UNIFIL’s recent reports regarding the construction of a T-shaped concrete wall by Israel, which the peacekeeping force asserts breaches the Blue Line. According to UNIFIL surveys, the wall obstructs the border in multiple locations, including southwest of Yaroun, rendering approximately 4,000 square meters of Lebanese territory inaccessible to Lebanese citizens.
“A T-shaped concrete wall was erected by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) southwest of Yaroun. Surveys confirmed that the wall blocked the Blue Line,” UNIFIL stated on November 14. “in november peacekeepers observed construction of a T-shaped wall in the area. Surveys confirmed a section of the wall southeast of Yaroun also blocks the Blue Line.”
The IDF has denied UNIFIL’s claims, maintaining that the wall remains within Israeli territory and serves as a defensive measure following hostilities in 2022. “It must be emphasized that the wall does not break the blue Line,” an IDF spokesperson said.
Established in 1978, UNIFIL’s mandate is to monitor the cessation of hostilities between Lebanon and Israel, support the Lebanese Armed Forces, and ensure humanitarian access. The Blue Line, demarcated by the UN in 2000, is not a formal border but a line of withdrawal reflecting Israel’s retreat from Lebanon. Disputes over the line’s interpretation and alleged violations have been a recurring source of tension.
