IDF says drone dropped stun grenades near Lebanon peacekeepers due to ‘suspicious presence’ in area

Stav Levaton is a military reporter for The Times of Israel

French UN peacekeepers patrol the Lebanese-Israeli border in the village of Houla, southern Lebanon, August 20, 2025. (AP/Hussein Malla)
French UN peacekeepers patrol the Lebanese-Israeli border in the village of Houla, southern Lebanon, August 20, 2025. (AP/Hussein Malla)

In response to reports that Israeli drones dropped grenades near UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) personnel yesterday, the IDF clarifies that its forces were responding to a “suspicious presence” in the area.

An IDF unit stationed at a post in southern Lebanon deployed several stun grenades to disrupt the situation and neutralize the perceived threat. The military says no injuries were reported.

At the same time, UNIFIL soldiers operating nearby reported that shots were fired in their direction.

Following an investigation, the IDF says it held a discussion via military communication channels to clarify the incident.

The IDF emphasizes that no deliberate fire was directed at UNIFIL personnel and reaffirmed that the safety of Israeli civilians and forces remains a top priority.

UNIFIL had claimed that four grenades were dropped close to observers clearing roadblocks near the village of Marwahin, with one allegedly landing within 20 meters and three within approximately 100 meters of UN personnel and vehicles. UNIFIL described the incident as “one of the most serious attacks on UNIFIL personnel and assets since the cessation of hostilities agreement last November.”

UNIFIL, which has patrolled Lebanon’s southern border with Israel since 1978, was recently extended by the UN Security Council to continue its mission through the end of 2026, followed by a year-long drawdown.

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