Israel Conducts Airstrike on Town in Northern Lebanon, Sparking UN Concerns About UNIFIL Operations
In a significant escalation of its conflict with Hezbollah militants, Israel has broadened its military targets across Lebanon, leading to the deaths of at least 21 individuals in a recent airstrike in the northern region. Health officials reported this casualty figure, while millions of Israelis took refuge, protecting themselves from retaliatory projectiles launched from the Lebanese side of the border.
The focal point of Israel’s military endeavors has primarily been the Bekaa Valley in eastern Lebanon, along with the outskirts of Beirut and the southern regions. These operations have sparked heightened tensions, particularly between Israeli troops and UN peacekeepers stationed in the area.
On the global stage, the UN Security Council has voiced considerable concern following several instances of fire targeting peacekeeping outposts in southern Lebanon. These incidents unfolded amidst the tumult of clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants.
The airstrike in the predominantly Christian town of Aitou struck a residence housing displaced families, as noted by Mayor Joseph Trad in a statement to Reuters. In addition to the fatalities, at least eight individuals sustained injuries, as reported by the Lebanese health authorities.
Israel’s military campaign in southern Lebanon seems to be a strategic push to eradicate Hezbollah and dismantle its military structures. This aggressive maneuvering has intensified existing tensions between Israel and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
In a decisive move, the Israeli government mandated the evacuation of residents from 25 villages situated in southern Lebanon. Families were instructed to flee northward, beyond the Awali River, approximately 60 kilometers from the Israeli frontier.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited a military base in central Israel on Sunday, the site of a deadly Hezbollah drone strike that claimed the lives of four Israeli soldiers. He assured the public that Israel’s military operations would continue, pledging to target the Iran-aligned group “with unyielding force throughout Lebanon, even in Beirut.”
On the home front, residents of central Israel scrambled to find safety in shelters as air raid sirens echoed through the area. The Israeli military reported successfully intercepting three projectiles that had launched from Lebanon, thankfully with no injuries among civilians.
In total, the Israeli military reported that around 115 projectiles had been fired into Israeli territory by Hezbollah yesterday alone. The latest conflict reignited a year ago when Hezbollah began launching rockets at Israel in solidarity with Hamas during the recent Gaza war.
The situation has dramatically intensified in recent weeks. Israel claims its military operations are designed to facilitate the safe return of thousands of displaced residents from northern Israel.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces have intensified their operations in northern Gaza as well, with local medics asserting that at least ten individuals were killed while waiting in line for food in Jabalia.
As the Israeli campaign in southern Lebanon continues, tensions with UNIFIL have become increasingly pronounced, especially after reports indicated that Israeli tanks had stormed a UN peacekeeping base.
On Sunday, the Israeli military hosted foreign journalists on a tour of southern Lebanon, showcasing what they alleged to be a Hezbollah tunnel entrance situated mere 200 meters from a UNIFIL observation post.
Prime Minister Netanyahu ardently dismissed claims that Israeli troops had intentionally targeted UN peacekeepers, labeling such accusations as “utterly unfounded.” He reiterated calls for UN forces to vacate combat zones close to the Israeli border. “Hezbollah exploits UNIFIL positions as a shield for their attacks that have taken Israeli lives, including the drone strike that killed our soldiers,” he emphasized.
“Israel possesses the inherent right to defend itself against Hezbollah’s aggression and will continue to do so,” Netanyahu declared emphatically. He expressed regret for any harm that may have come to UNIFIL personnel but maintained that their safety would be best ensured by “heeding Israel’s advice to temporarily remove themselves from dangerous areas.”
Despite these tensions, a spokesperson for UNIFIL stated in a video message posted on social media that the peacekeeping mission would persist. “We’re here to stay… Our presence is crucial to uphold international oversight and maintain the UN flag in this region,” Andrea Tenenti conveyed.
The military tour included displays of alleged Hezbollah weapon caches, with Brigadier General Yiftach Norkin asserting, “We’re right next to a Hezbollah military installation in very close proximity to the UN.” He indicated the trapdoor of a concealed tunnel obscured by foliage close to a UN observation point.
Since launching its ground operation near the border, the Israeli military proudly claims to have destroyed numerous Hezbollah tunnel entries, rocket launchers, and command centers.
UNIFIL has expressed concern that prior Israeli incursions have hampered its monitoring capabilities, leading officials to fear that violations of international law during the conflict will continue to go unchecked.
In the broader regional context, the Middle East remains abuzz with speculation about potential Israeli retaliation against Iran in response to a missile barrage launched against Israel on October 1, coinciding with the ongoing assaults in Lebanon.
The office of Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that while Israel values its relationship with the United States, it would chart its course based on its own national interests. This message accompanied a Washington Post article noting that Netanyahu had informed the Biden administration that Israel would target Iranian military facilities but would refrain from attacking nuclear or oil installations. This indicated a more moderated counterstrike approach aimed at averting a full-blown conflict.
Adding to the tension, the U.S. embassy in Lebanon has urged its citizens to evacuate swiftly, cautioning that flights arranged by the government to facilitate American departures—initiated since September 27—might not last indefinitely.
Australia has echoed this sentiment, warning its citizens against traveling to Israel and advising those already there to exit the country while commercial flights remain operational.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
