IDF actions against UN peacekeepers suggest Israel may be considering occupying part of southern Lebanon

One possible reason for the attacks is that the IDF believes ridding the area of Unifil exposes Hezbollah and will enable the IDF to continue its incursion unhindered by the watchful eyes of an international observer

Defence Forces photos of the Irish troops on duty with the 124th Irish-Polish Battalion in Unifil, Lebanon. Picture: @DefenceForces

The United Nations security council has expressed strong concern for the safety of peacekeepers in Lebanon after a series of incidents over the past week in which UN positions have come under fire from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) as they continue their push in the south of the country.

“UN peacekeepers and UN premises must never be the target of an attack,” the security council said on October 14 in a statement adopted by consensus of the 15-member council. It urged all parties to respect the security and safety of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) operating in south Lebanon.