Beirut – A routine UNIFIL patrol turned tense and deeply alarming after Israeli forces opened fire near UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, raising new concerns about the fragile calm along the Blue Line.
According to UNIFIL, the incident took place near the town of Sarda, where peacekeepers were conducting a pre-coordinated patrol. A Merkava tank belonging to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reportedly fired a ten-round burst of machine-gun fire above the peacekeepers’ convoy, followed by four more bursts in close proximity.
UNIFIL confirmed that both the Israeli tank and the peacekeepers were inside Lebanese territory at the time of the firing, making the provocation even more severe. The peacekeeping mission stressed that Israel had been informed of the patrol timing and location well in advance through established coordination channels.
No injuries were reported, but the gunfire was described as “dangerous and unacceptable,” prompting UNIFIL to immediately contact the IDF command. The firing ceased shortly afterward, and the tank withdrew from the area.
The UN mission condemned the act as a “serious violation” of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, the framework that has governed relative stability between Israel and Lebanon since 2006. UNIFIL warned that such incidents not only endanger peacekeepers but also weaken ongoing efforts to prevent hostilities and maintain peace along one of the region’s most sensitive borders.
The situation comes at a time when tensions between Israel and Hezbollah remain volatile, despite ongoing mediation efforts. Analysts fear that any attack on neutral UN personnel could signal a dangerous shift, potentially dragging the region toward heightened confrontation.
With border uncertainties increasing and diplomatic channels already strained, the international community is being urged to take firm notice. UN peacekeepers remain on the ground, but repeated escalations threaten to undermine the very mission designed to maintain peace and stability in southern Lebanon.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.