Leave ‘Immediately’; Israeli PM Netanyahu Tells UN Peacekeepers In Southern Lebanon
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has told the United Nations to remove its peacekeepers from southern Lebanon today.
On Saturday, the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) said a fifth peacekeeper was injured in southern Lebanon during the week.
Netanyahu called on the UN chief Antonio Guterres to remove peacekeeping forces in southern Lebanon “immediately”.
“Mr Secretary General, get the UNIFIL forces out of harm’s way. It should be done right now, immediately,” the Israel Prime Minister said in a video statement issued by his office.
Earlier this month, Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz declared Guterres persona non grata following Iran’s attack on Israel.
The Lebanese health ministry says 15 people were killed in three Israeli attacks on Saturday on Deir Bella, Al Maaysra and Barja, BBC reports.
The IDF says Hezbollah launched around 320 projectiles from Lebanon into Israel on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Pope Francis has called for “respect” of UN peacekeepers.
“I am close to all the people involved, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, where I ask that the UN peacekeepers be respected,” the Pope said at the Vatican, according to AFP.
“I once again call for an immediate ceasefire on all fronts that the paths of diplomacy and dialogue be pursued to achieve peace,” he adds.
