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Bepi Pezzulli
International law counsel & foreign policy adviser

Showdown Over IDF Strikes on UNIFIL in Lebanon

UNIFIL (Wikipedia Commons)

On the night of October 9, 2024, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) struck a UNIFIL outpost in South Lebanon, near Naqoura, destroying surveillance cameras and equipment. The attack was a direct hit on the Italian contingent, as Italy commands one of the key regiments in the UNIFIL mission. Israel explained the attack, stating that it had repeatedly warned UNIFIL to remove the cameras, which were allegedly providing Hezbollah with real-time intelligence. The area around the outpost is a Hezbollah stronghold, and Israeli forces uncovered that the terrorist organization has established bunkers and tunnels in close proximity to the UNIFIL base.

According to reports, Israeli officials had contacted UNIFIL on four separate occasions, requesting the removal of the surveillance equipment, arguing that its presence posed a security risk. Despite these warnings, UNIFIL did not comply, which Israel argues validated its military response.

Shortly after the first attack, further strikes hit the base’s perimeter, forcing the Italian peacekeepers to take shelter in their bunkers. This escalation triggered an immediate diplomatic backlash from Italy, with Defense Minister Guido Crosetto demanding explanations from Jerusalem.

Italy’s Reaction: An Unprecedented Diplomatic Stand

Italy’s response to the IDF’s strikes was one of unequivocal outrage. Crosetto delivered a scathing statement from Palazzo Chigi. The tone of Crosetto’s remarks was remarkable for its harshness, signaling a significant departure from Italy’s typically moderate stance in international conflicts. He labeled the IDF’s actions as “unacceptable” and warned that “the attack could constitute war crimes,” citing violations of international law and the Geneva Conventions.

Crosetto’s words went beyond mere diplomatic condemnation. He made it clear that Italy could no longer tolerate Israeli “aggression,” particularly given that Israeli officials had allegedly instructed UNIFIL to vacate positions—a command that UN forces, as Crosetto pointed out, are not obliged to obey. His public rebuke of Israel escalated the situation, creating a diplomatic rift between the two nations.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, in close consultation with Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, echoed Crosetto’s sentiments, expressing solidarity with Italian peacekeepers and calling for a thorough investigation into the strikes. While Meloni’s office avoided the inflammatory rhetoric used by Crosetto, it nonetheless underscored the gravity of the situation, marking one of the most severe confrontations between Italy and Israel in recent history.

Italy’s diplomatic offensive included summoning the Israeli ambassador to Italy, Jonathan Peled, to formally protest the strikes. During the meeting, Peled reiterated Israel’s position, emphasizing that the attacks were carried out to neutralize threats from Hezbollah and that UNIFIL had been repeatedly warned to vacate the area.

Israel’s Position: No Compromise on Security

From Israel’s perspective, the strikes were a necessary measure to protect its borders and neutralize Hezbollah’s growing presence in Southern Lebanon. Israel asserts that Hezbollah, classified as a terrorist organization by much of the international community, has embedded itself within civilian areas, using the proximity of UNIFIL bases as a shield for their operations. This complicates Israel’s military strategy, as any action near UNIFIL risks collateral damage and diplomatic fallout.

Ambassador Peled, expressed frustration that UNIFIL had ignored repeated warnings. He offered evidence that the surveillance cameras positioned at the UNIFIL outpost were potentially feeding information directly to Hezbollah, an unacceptable security risk for Israel. Peled reiterated that Israel had “recommended” on several occasions that UNIFIL reposition its forces to a safer distance but that the multinational peacekeeping force had refused.

Moreover, Israel has pointed to the fact that UNIFIL’s mandate is to maintain peace and prevent hostilities in Southern Lebanon. However, in practice, the force has been unable to curb Hezbollah’s expansion and militarization of the region. In this context, Israel sees the presence of UNIFIL as a hindrance rather than a help, especially given that the UN forces are perceived as unwilling or unable to counter Hezbollah’s activities.

The Failure of UNIFIL: A Complicit Peacekeeping Force?

The IDF strikes and the ensuing diplomatic crisis have exposed the long-standing issues with UNIFIL’s mission in Lebanon. Established in 1978 and expanded after the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war, UNIFIL was tasked with monitoring the cessation of hostilities and preventing armed groups from operating south of the Litani River. In reality, Hezbollah has only grown stronger over the years, embedding itself within civilian areas and constructing an extensive network of tunnels and weapons caches.

Critics argue that UNIFIL has become ineffective, unable to prevent Hezbollah’s militarization of South Lebanon. The IDF strikes underscore the perception that UNIFIL is, at best, a passive observer and, at worst, complicit in Hezbollah’s violations of the 2006 ceasefire agreement. The peacekeeping force, it is argued, turns a blind eye to Hezbollah’s activities while demanding that Israel exercise restraint.

Italy’s commitment to UNIFIL places it in a difficult position. On the one hand, it is one of the largest contributors to the mission, with 1.200 troops deployed along the Blue Line. On the other hand, Italy must reconcile its role as a peacekeeper with the reality that UNIFIL has failed to curb Hezbollah’s influence. While Crosetto’s forceful denunciation of the IDF’s strikes may be an expression of frustration not only with Israel but with the broader failure of the mission itself, his words have triggered a review of his dismal record on Israel and the Jews. In 2005, Crosetto has faced significant backlash for his remarks regarding a supposed “Jewish and American masonic conspiracy” to control Italian banks, echoing antisemitic tropes reminiscent of the 1930s. More recently, Crosetto expressed concerns over Israel’s military actions in Rafah, suggesting that “they would sow hatred for future generations,” further highlighting his controversial views and his limited understanding of history.

Hezbollah: A Growing Threat for Israel

Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed terrorist militia, has dominated Southern Lebanon since the early 1980s. Despite numerous international efforts to disarm the group, Hezbollah has expanded its military capabilities, amassing an arsenal of rockets and establishing sophisticated underground networks. Israel views Hezbollah as an existential threat, and its presence near UNIFIL bases complicates the peacekeeping mission.

The IDF strikes highlight the challenge posed by Hezbollah’s proximity to UNIFIL outposts. Hezbollah uses civilian areas and UN positions as cover, a tactic not new, and the militia’s entrenchment in Southern Lebanon poses a direct threat to both Israeli security and the viability of the UN mission. The IDF’s frustration with UNIFIL’s inability—or unwillingness—to address Hezbollah’s presence is evident in its recent actions.

For Italy, Hezbollah’s dominance in the region raises serious concerns about the safety and efficacy of its peacekeepers. Italian troops, positioned near Hezbollah strongholds, are at risk of being caught in the crossfire between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants. Crosetto’s demand for explanations from Israel is, in part, a reflection of the growing danger that Italian troops face in an increasingly unstable region, exposing however the paradox if Italian expectations: troops that claim security for themselves rather than granting security to others are yet another stereotypical Italian job.

What’s Next

In light of the recent incident involving the IDF strikes on UNIFIL in Lebanon, it is clear that the mission has become ineffective, unable to adapt to the changing realities on the ground, particularly with Hezbollah’s growing influence. Israel’s actions are justified as a necessary defense against a hostile neighbor, prioritizing its security amid persistent threats. Italy, as a significant contributor to UNIFIL, should reassess its role rather than merely engaging in diplomatic outrage; it risks being seen as complicit in a failing peacekeeping operation.

After all, when your peacekeepers are too busy playing referee to notice the home team is armed to the teeth, it’s time to choose a game instead of just counting the cards.

About the Author
Giuseppe Levi Pezzulli ("Bepi") is a Solicitor specializing in international law and a foreign policy scholar. His key research focuses on analyzing the shifting world order in response to global events such as Brexit and the Abraham Accords. In 2018, he published "An Alternative View of Brexit"(Milano Finanza Books), exploring the economic and geopolitical implications of Brexit. In 2023, he followed up with "Brave Bucks" (Armando Publishing House), analyzing the role of venture capital in the industrial policies of the UK and Israel. Formerly Editor-in-Chief of La Voce Repubblicana, he is also a columnist for the financial daily Milano Finanza, a pundit for CNBC, and the Middle East analyst for Longitude magazine. He holds degrees from Luiss Guido Carli (LLB), New York University (LLM), and Columbia University (JD). In 2024, he stood for a seat in the UK Parliament.
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