Responding to UNIFIL, IDF says troops shot in direction of a suspect, not of UN observers

The IDF says its gunfire in southern Lebanon yesterday was not aimed at members of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which had complained that its observers had allegedly been targeted.

According to the military, troops deployed to the Hamames post in Lebanon, just north of Metula, spotted a suspect approaching their position.

“In accordance with procedures and the rules of engagement, warning shots were fired toward them,” the army says.

While the troops were firing warning shots, the military says UNIFIL contacted the IDF, “claiming they were hearing shots in their direction.”

The IDF says it clarified to UNIFIL “that the gunfire was not toward them or in their direction, but rather to push back the threat in the area.” A military source adds that the shots were fired in the direction from which the suspect approached, which was not the location of the UN forces.

“The IDF emphasizes that it does not operate against UN forces and will continue to work in full, ongoing coordination with their representatives,” the military adds.