The United Nations peacekeeping force UNIFIL declares the cross-border attack tunnels dug into Israel from southern Lebanon a violation of UN Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 Second Lebanon War.
The group says it can confirm the existence of four tunnels that enter Israeli territory. In addition, UNIFIL says it ordered separate, independent investigations, which have so far confirmed the existence of two of the four tunnels.
“These constitute violations of UN Security Council resolution 1701,” the peacekeeping force says in a statement.
Israeli soldiers show UNIFIL commander Maj. Gen. Stefano Del Col a Hezbollah tunnel that penetrated Israeli territory from southern Lebanon, on December 6, 2018. (Israel Defense Forces)
A UNIFIL spokesperson says the group cannot yet confirm the Israeli allegation that the tunnels were dug by the Iran-backed Hezbollah terrorist group, but is continuing to investigate the matter.
“UNIFIL has requested the Lebanese authorities ensure urgent follow-up actions in accordance with the responsibilities of the Government of Lebanon pursuant to resolution 1701,” UNIFIL says.
— Judah Ari Gross
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From the Liveblog of
Monday, December 17, 2018
