Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently called for the United Nations (UN) to remove peacekeeping troops from Lebanon, claiming that they were being used as “human shields” by Hezbollah terrorists. This demand was made in response to widespread international condemnation of Israel following incidents where two United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) soldiers were injured and two Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) soldiers were killed.
The UNIFIL and LAF are supposed to enforce United Nations Security Council resolutions that prohibit Hezbollah from operating in southern Lebanon, but both organizations have failed to do so. Instead, Hezbollah has been using UNIFIL posts as cover to launch attacks on Israel.
One particularly stinging condemnation came from U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, who posted a statement on social media accusing Israel of intentionally attacking UNIFIL troops. In response to this criticism, Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz issued his own statement emphasizing that Hezbollah frequently operates and fires near UNIFIL positions, using peacekeeping missions as cover for its terrorist activities.
Prime Minister Netanyahu has now decided that the time has come for the UN to take action. In a statement published on Sunday, he urged the UN Secretary General to withdraw UNIFIL troops from Hezbollah strongholds and combat zones in Lebanon, arguing that their presence there only serves to provide Hezbollah terrorists with human shields. Netanyahu also expressed regret for any harm caused to UNIFIL soldiers and emphasized that the IDF has been taking measures to avoid harming them or peacekeeping positions.
However, Netanyahu also criticized several European leaders who have chosen to focus their criticism on Israel instead of Hezbollah. He pointed out that, much like Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah is using UNIFIL as a human shield. The Israeli Prime Minister reiterated his commitment to fighting terrorism and ensuring the security of all Israeli citizens, both at home and abroad.
In conclusion, Netanyahu’s call for the withdrawal of UN peacekeeping troops from Lebanon highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Israel in its efforts to combat terrorism and protect its people. As the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah continues, it remains crucial for international actors to recognize the true nature of the threat posed by this terrorist organization and support efforts to neutralize its influence.