Tensions along the southern Lebanon border escalated again on Sunday after an Israeli Merkava tank opened fire near a UNIFIL patrol operating on foot inside Lebanese territory, the UN peacekeeping mission confirmed.

In an official statement, the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said its personnel were suddenly targeted when heavy machine-gun fire struck the ground roughly five meters from their position. Peacekeepers were forced to take immediate cover. UNIFIL confirmed that no soldiers were harmed but described the event as a “serious violation” of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which governs the cessation of hostilities between Lebanon and Israel.

The incident occurred just two days after UNIFIL publicly condemned Israel for constructing a fortified border wall inside Lebanese territory, crossing the UN-demarcated Blue Line. UNIFIL warned that the construction represents a clear breach of Resolution 1701 and an infringement on Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The force reiterated its demand that Israel fully respect the Blue Line and withdraw from all areas north of the line.

Lebanon’s Army Command issued a forceful statement on Sunday, denouncing the attack on UN peacekeepers and accusing Israel of deliberately undermining security and obstructing the deployment of Lebanese forces in the south.

The Army said it is coordinating with “friendly countries” to halt what it described as “continuous violations by the Israeli enemy.” It warned that Israel’s actions—ranging from military aggression to territorial encroachment—represent a dangerous escalation that threatens regional stability.

According to the Lebanese military, Israeli forces continue to violate Lebanese sovereignty on a near-daily basis, with the tank fire on UNIFIL serving as the latest example.

UNIFIL has repeatedly documented Israeli intimidation, obstruction, and attacks against its personnel in recent months. Sunday’s incident adds to growing concerns that the situation along the frontier is deteriorating rapidly, amid near-daily exchanges of fire between Israel and Lebanese resistance groups.

UN officials have urged both sides to de-escalate, emphasizing that attacks on peacekeepers not only violate international law but also jeopardize the safety of personnel tasked with preventing a wider conflict. (ILKHA)