Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called on the UN to withdraw its troops and called allegations that Israel is deliberating targeting the peacekeepers "completely false."
Sinwar, mastermind behind the October 7 massacre, killed in Gaza • No hostages present in area of strike, IDF says
A spokesman for the organization also explained around the same time why UNIFIL is not evacuating from southern Lebanon.
The countries, including Spain, Italy and France, contribute more than a third of some 10,000 troops to UNIFIL and the recent incidents have alarmed European governments.
Sixteen EU countries, including Austria, contribute to UNIFIL
It was not a UN decision that established the State of Israel but the victory that was achieved in the War of Independence with the blood of our heroic fighters, the PMO said in response.
Hezbollah has been hiding behind UNIFIL for far too long, but European leaders continue to blame Jerusalem.
Israel cannot tolerate a situation where Hezbollah terrorists believe they can fire near UNIFIL positions and be immune from an Israeli response.
Meloni's announcement comes after UNIFIL troops have repeatedly reported coming under fire from Israel.
Italian troops make up a significant part of UNIFIL, providing the second-largest contingent with 1,068 soldiers, according to the UNIFIL website.
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