Netanyahu Calls on Guterres to Remove UNIFIL Troops

Tensions between Israel and UN peacekeeping forces continue to escalate in southern Lebanon, prompting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to call for the withdrawal of UNIFIL (the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, deployed in southern Lebanon along the border with Israel under UN Security Council Resolution 425 of March 19, 1978) troops from combat areas.

In a letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, he stated, "It is time to remove UNIFIL from Hezbollah strongholds and combat zones. The Israel Defense Forces have repeatedly requested this and received refusals, aimed at providing terrorists from Hezbollah with a live shield. Mr. Secretary-General, evacuate UNIFIL forces from danger. This must be done immediately, without delay! Your refusal to evacuate UNIFIL troops makes them hostages of Hezbollah."

It is noted that representatives of UNIFIL have sustained injuries due to military operations by Israel in Lebanon. Armenia has joined the countries issuing a joint statement condemning attacks on UNIFIL in Lebanon. The signatory countries reaffirmed their support for the UN Interim Force's mission in Lebanon, emphasizing the importance of establishing stability and peace in southern Lebanon. The joint statement initiated by Poland condemned the incidents of attacks on peacekeepers and stated that such actions must cease immediately and be appropriately investigated.