Italy summoned the Israeli ambassador on Wednesday to seek clarification following an incident where shots were fired at an Italian convoy operating under the United Nations mission in Lebanon. The Italian foreign minister emphasized that Israeli forces have no authority to interfere with Rome’s troops.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is deployed in southern Lebanon to monitor the ceasefire line with Israel, a region that has experienced intense clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants backed by Iran.
Antonio Tajani, speaking during a parliamentary session, revealed that Israeli warning shots struck one of Italy’s vehicles, fortunately causing no injuries. He subsequently announced on social media that he had instructed the summoning of the Israeli ambassador to address the matter.
a defense ministry statement, the Italian logistics convoy was en route from Shama to Beirut when, approximately two kilometers after departure, Israeli troops fired warning shots. The convoy immediately halted and returned to its base.
This event occurred amid Israel’s most intense airstrikes on Lebanon since the recent outbreak of hostilities with Hezbollah earlier last month. Israel has declared that the ceasefire agreement, which suspends the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, does not extend to Lebanon.
Defence Minister Guido Crosetto condemned the incident, stating that threatening convoys clearly marked with the UN flag is unacceptable. He warned that such actions jeopardize the safety of peacekeepers and undermine the mission’s credibility.
Minister Crosetto urged the United Nations to promptly engage with Israeli officials to clarify the circumstances of the shooting and to implement all necessary measures to ensure the security of the Italian contingent and all UNIFIL personnel.
As of March 30, UNIFIL consisted of approximately 7,500 peacekeepers, with Italy contributing over 750 soldiers, making it one of the mission’s primary contributors.
