January 14, 2026 | 08:27 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The United Nations (UN) peacekeeping force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said on Tuesday that Israeli tanks fired on a location near a position of its Spanish UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon.
According to Spanish media outlet El Pais, as quoted by Russia Today, this is not the first incident involving Spanish peacekeepers, who frequently report harassment by Israeli forces who "consider their presence unwanted" as they observe operations in southern Lebanon.
The Spanish contingent is reportedly one of UNIFIL's largest, with more than 600 troops deployed in the mission.
UNIFIL reported two attacks in the past 24 hours on personnel clearly identifiable as UN staff: those wearing blue helmets and blue jackets bearing the UN logo.
As reported by Arab News, UNIFIL said such incidents have become "very common" and violate Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah.
The UN said two mortar rounds suspected of firing flares hit one of its positions near the village of Yaroun in southern Lebanon on Monday night. Peacekeepers call for Israeli military activity to cease.
Earlier, UNIFIL said peacekeepers observed two Israeli Merkava tanks moving from an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) position in Lebanese territory near the town of Sarda, advancing further into Lebanese territory on Monday morning.
Despite peacekeepers' calls to cease the activity via a liaison channel, an Israeli tank fired three shots, two of which landed approximately 150 meters from the peacekeepers' position.
As UN personnel attempted to retreat to safety, the IDF "continued laser tracking" of the tanks, the statement said.
The tanks withdrew approximately 30 minutes later, and there were no reports of injuries.
UNIFIL stated that it had notified the IDF in advance of the activity in the area in accordance with standard procedures for patrols near the Blue Line, and that attacks on peacekeepers identified as performing their duties were becoming more frequent.
UNIFIL called on the IDF to ensure the safety of peacekeepers and cease attacks against them. UNIFIL also said that such IDF actions undermine regional stability.
“We reiterate our commitment to the Israel Defense Forces, and all parties, to ensure the safety of peacekeepers and to cease attacks against them,” said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric.
The IDF denied UNIFIL’s report, according to the Times of Israel, insisting its forces attacked Hezbollah and claiming they did not harm the peacekeepers.
The Israeli military said that minutes after the attack, UNIFIL called for a ceasefire, claiming the attack occurred near its personnel. They claimed that, based on initial investigations, no UN forces were identified in the area at the time.
The Israel-Lebanon border region remains tense despite a US-brokered ceasefire that went into effect in November 2024, ending more than a year of cross-border hostilities.
This tension was triggered when Hezbollah launched attacks into Israeli territory in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Under the agreement, the Lebanese army would dismantle Hezbollah’s military infrastructure and take control of territory held by the group in the south.
Read: Who Is Reza Pahlavi? Iran's Exiled Crown Prince with Close Ties to Israel
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Who Is Reza Pahlavi? Iran's Exiled Crown Prince with Close Ties to Israel
23 jam lalu
Exiled Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has emerged in renewed protests, drawing attention to his close relationship with Israel.
Argentina Suspends Plan to Move Israel Embassy to Jerusalem
1 hari lalu
Tension between Argentina and Israel has led to the suspension of Argentina's plan to relocate its embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv.
NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani Calls Hamas a Terrorist Group
2 hari lalu
The Mayor of New York, Zohran Mamdani, has spoken out on the pro-Hamas singing during heated protests outside a synagogue in Queens.
Internet in Iran Cut Off as Protests Spread Nationwide
4 hari lalu
The demonstrations, which were sparked by anger over the rising cost of living, have been met with a crackdown by Iran's Islamic regime.
Somalia Condemns Israeli Minister's Somaliland Visit
7 hari lalu
Israel's foreign minister is the first official to visit Somaliland following Israel's controversial recognition of the breakaway region.
Indonesia and 7 Countries Urge Israel to Open Gaza Access
10 hari lalu
Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono and seven other nations demand Israel grant full access to UNRWA and NGOs in Gaza amid worsening winter weather.
Zohran Mamdani Rescinds Pro-Israel Rules on First Day in Office
10 hari lalu
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani signed executive orders on his first day to revoke Eric Adams' pro-Israel measures, citing free speech concerns.
Middle Eastern Governments Are Watching Iran's Protests
10 hari lalu
As anti-government protests continue in Iran, countries in the region are watching. Some are concerned; others sense potential opportunity.
Somaliland Denies Trading Israeli Recognition with Displaced Palestinians
11 hari lalu
Somaliland denies allegations that its recognition by Israel was exchanged for setting up military bases and resettling Palestinian people from Gaza, causing tension with Somalia and widespread condemnation from the international community.
Iran Starts 2026 Facing Protests, Inflation and Sanctions
12 hari lalu
By late 2025, inflation sparked shop closures across Iran. Now in 2026, the government faces sanctions, economic crisis, and environmental threats.
:strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kly-media-production/medias/4548967/original/094336900_1692782124-tanaphong-toochinda-FEhFnQdLYyM-unsplash.jpg)
:strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kly-media-production/medias/5327418/original/014991800_1756180726-alexandr-podvalny-TciuHvwoK0k-unsplash.jpg)