Israeli army ‘deliberately demolished’ watchtower, fence at UN peacekeeping site in southern Lebanon
- Source: The Guardian
- Date: February 19, 2023
Summary:
The Israeli army has been accused of deliberately demolishing a watchtower and fence at a UN peacekeeping site in southern Lebanon. The incident took place on February 17, 2023, in the village of Ghajar, which lies on the border between Lebanon and Israel.
The UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has condemned the attack, saying that it was a “flagrant violation” of the UN-brokered ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon. UNIFIL has also called on Israel to respect the sanctity of UN peacekeeping sites.
The Israeli army has not yet commented on the incident. However, it has previously accused UNIFIL of being biased against Israel and of failing to prevent Hezbollah militants from operating in southern Lebanon.
The demolition of the watchtower and fence has raised tensions between Israel and Lebanon. The Lebanese government has called on the UN to investigate the incident and hold Israel accountable for its actions.
Analysis:
The demolition of the watchtower and fence is a serious escalation of tensions between Israel and Lebanon. It comes at a time when there are already high tensions between the two countries over Israel’s ongoing occupation of the Lebanese Shebaa Farms and its regular airspace violations.
The incident is likely to further damage the already fragile relationship between UNIFIL and Israel. UNIFIL has been operating in southern Lebanon since 1978, and its mandate has been renewed every six months since then. However, Israel has repeatedly accused UNIFIL of being biased against it and of failing to prevent Hezbollah militants from operating in southern Lebanon.
The demolition of the watchtower and fence is likely to make it more difficult for UNIFIL to carry out its mandate. The peacekeeping force relies on observation posts and patrols to monitor the situation in southern Lebanon and to prevent violence. The destruction of the watchtower and fence will make it more difficult for UNIFIL to observe the area and to respond to any incidents that may occur.
The incident is also likely to further erode public support for UNIFIL in southern Lebanon. Many Lebanese people believe that UNIFIL is not doing enough to protect them from Israeli aggression. The demolition of the watchtower and fence is likely to confirm this view and to make it more difficult for UNIFIL to operate in the area.
Israeli army ‘deliberately demolished’ watchtower, fence at UN peacekeeping site in southern Lebanon
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