UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon observed extensive Israeli military activity, including armored movements, engineering works, and logistical traffic near the border. Intensive air activity involving fighter jets and drones was also recorded.
The increased military activity and observed trajectories near the Lebanon border raise concerns about potential escalation and the safety of UN peacekeepers operating in the region.
United Nations peacekeepers in southern Lebanon have observed significant Israeli military activity near the border, according to UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric. The observations include "high-density armoured movements, large-scale engineering and demolition works and sustained logistical traffic" within the UN peacekeeping mission's (Unifil) area of operations.
In addition to ground movements, Unifil recorded intensive air activity involving fighter aircraft and drones. On a recent Thursday, 531 trajectories were monitored, with 526 originating from Israeli positions south of the Blue Line. Five trajectories were believed to have been launched by Hezbollah, with one crossing the UN-demarcated frontier.
Previous reports indicate that UNIFIL troops have been targeted in incidents involving Israeli forces, including drone activity and tank fire, raising concerns about the safety of peacekeepers implementing Security Council mandates.