The rules of engagement for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) are being reevaluated by the 16 EU countries contributing to the peacekeeping force, as stated by Italy’s defense ministry on Wednesday. The European Union allies are calling for revisions to make UNIFIL more effective and to prevent further attacks on their positions by Israeli forces.
A discussion among the defense ministers of the 16 countries highlighted the need to apply political and diplomatic pressure on Israel to avoid future incidents. The ministers also emphasized that Hezbollah should not use UNIFIL personnel as shields during conflicts.
UNIFIL is currently monitoring hostilities along the demarcation line with Israel in southern Lebanon, where recent clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters have escalated tensions. Despite Israel’s demands for UNIFIL’s withdrawal, contributor nations, including Italy with over 1,000 troops, have refused and condemned Israeli attacks on UNIFIL bases.
As Israel continues its incursion into Lebanon, UNIFIL positions have been targeted 20 times since the start of the ground operation on Oct. 1. The UN has reported incidents of direct fire and breaches by Israeli tanks at UNIFIL bases.