UN peacekeepers step up patrols along Israel-Lebanon border

The UN peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon, UNIFIL, says it has stepped up its activities along the border in light of the IDF’s newly launched operation to uncover attack tunnels dug from Lebanon into Israel.

“UNIFIL peacekeepers have further increased their patrolling along the Blue Line, together with the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), to maintain the overall stability and avoid misunderstandings that could lead to any escalation,” UNIFIL says.

The Blue Line is an internationally recognized armistice line that serves as the de facto border between Israel and Lebanon.

“UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Major General Stefano Del Col is in close contact with both LAF and the IDF, and is again urging all parties to use UNIFIL’s liaison, coordination and tripartite mechanisms in de-escalating any tension,” the UN peacekeeping force says.

— Judah Ari Gross