The Irish Defence Forces confirmed on Tuesday that Israeli troops had moved away from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) base in southern Lebanon after concerns were raised over their proximity to its peacekeepers. The site, known as UNP 6-52, is located close to the volatile Blue Line, the de facto border between Israel and Lebanon.
Israel made the move after the United Nations (UN) called for the safety of its personnel amid “recent activities” of the Israeli military near its base. “It is unacceptable to compromise the safety of UN peacekeepers,” UNIFIL said in a statement.
According to Irish officials, the Israeli military vehicles moved “north of the post.” “The cessation of activity and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from their positions around the Irish post marks a positive development amidst heightened tensions in the region,” they said in a statement.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier issued warnings to Lebanon, urging its people to break free from Hezbollah’s influence or risk facing destruction similar to what has occurred in Gaza. Hezbollah, meanwhile, has vowed to continue its fight despite sustained Israeli airstrikes and the deaths of key leaders in the militia, including Hassan Nasrallah, the group’s longtime chief.
In the week since the operation began, several border areas have been captured:
•MAROUN AL-RAS: Nearly fully cleared by the 36th Division.
•YAROUN: Under the control of the IDF and the 36th Division.
•ODAISSEH: Fully captured and cleared by the 98th Division.
•KAFR KILA:… pic.twitter.com/EECcwq0We8
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) October 9, 2024
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