Allegations
Israel’s intimidation and strikes against positions held by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon have pushed Italy to raise its voice for the first time since the latest flare in the Middle East began. In a stopover in Beirut, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni made the point clear on Friday. She said that UNIFIL soldiers have contributed for years to stabilizing the border between Lebanon and Israel, and they will be needed in any scenario after the conflict ends. She added that targeting these troops is unacceptable and must stop. Source: Reuters.
For this reason, Meloni asked all parties to guarantee the safety of every soldier. She also called for UNIFIL to be reinforced. Only by strengthening the peacekeeping mission and ensuring it is properly resourced can the parties move toward a sustainable path forward. She emphasized the need to return to the core mission of UNIFIL in coordination with the Lebanese Armed Forces, no gaps in command or in cooperation. Source: Reuters.
Meloni spoke during a press conference with the Lebanese prime minister, Najib Mikati. Addressing him directly, she reminded Lebanon that it can always count on Italy. She noted that she is proud to be the first female head of government to visit Lebanon since the escalation and the only one to have done so twice since the Hamas attacks on October 7. Meloni also pointed to her recent participation in the European Council in Brussels, saying that every one of them is working toward a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza and in Lebanon. Source: Reuters.
In a separate exchange, Meloni underscored the importance of a concerted effort to keep civilians safe while the region navigates a fragile ceasefire landscape. The discussions come as the broader international community weighs how to balance tactical responses with the long-term goal of reducing violence and preserving access for humanitarian relief. Source: Reuters.
The visit took place after a week marked by further Israeli strikes on Lebanon and renewed pressure on UNIFIL, which Israel says should eventually withdraw from high‑risk zones. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu argued that UNIFIL soldiers resist leaving their posts and suggested that the safest way to protect them would be to honor Israel’s request to move away temporarily from danger. Source: Reuters.
The dispute centers on a zone where UN peacekeepers operate along with about 10,000 troops from more than 50 countries and the Lebanese military. United Nations Security Council resolutions prohibit deployment by either Israel or Hizbulá in that area, yet compliance has never been absolute. Historically, UNIFIL has served as the primary channel of communication between the two sides, a role that has become even more crucial as tensions persist. Source: Reuters.
In addition, multiple human rights organizations have raised concerns that Israel may be pursuing military missions that would result in significant civilian casualties, though evidence to support those claims remains contested. The unfolding situation continues to draw intense scrutiny from international observers who urge restraint and a clear path toward de-escalation. Source: Reuters.