Janice R. Andrews
The Italian government has issued a stern rebuke to Israel following a series of attacks on United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) bases in southern Lebanon, including two Italian contingent positions. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and her administration have labeled these strikes as “unacceptable,” potentially constituting war crimes.
In response to the incident, Italy summoned Israel’s ambassador and demanded explanations. Prime Minister Meloni reached out to General Stefano Messina, commander of UNIFIL’s Western Sector, to assess the situation of Italian forces in the region. The government reaffirmed its support for the peacekeeping mission, emphasizing the crucial role Italian troops play in stabilizing the area.
Defence Minister Guido Crosetto strongly rejected Israel’s justification for the attacks, asserting that neither the UN nor Italy would comply with Israeli demands to vacate certain bases. Crosetto engaged directly with his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant, to voice Italy’s concerns and insist on the safety of peacekeeping personnel.
The Israeli suggestion to relocate UNIFIL troops further north was promptly dismissed by UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti, who stressed the importance of maintaining their current positions. Tenenti condemned the attacks as violations of both UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and international humanitarian law.
As tensions escalate between Israel and Hezbollah, UNIFIL has called for an immediate ceasefire. The incident has prompted discussions about the future of the peacekeeping mission, with Italy planning a meeting of nations involved in UNIFIL to address safety concerns.
Italy, a significant contributor to UNIFIL since its establishment in 1978, remains committed to the mission despite the recent challenges. However, the attacks have raised serious questions about troop safety and regional stability.
The situation along the Blue Line, the border demarcation between Israel and Lebanon, remains precarious. As diplomatic efforts continue, the role of UNIFIL and Italy’s participation in it remain crucial for maintaining peace in this volatile region.
