The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon issued a statement, stating that during a regular patrol near Kfar Kila this morning, peacekeepers noticed two drones hovering above them in a provocative manner. The statement indicated that one of the two planes was carrying an unknown object and entered a space that constituted a direct threat to the safety and security of the soldiers.
The statement stated that, in accordance with established procedures, the soldiers took defensive measures to confront the danger, before the drone dropped a sound bomb that exploded at a distance of about 50 meters from the patrol, and then headed towards Israeli territory. UNIFIL confirmed that none of the soldiers were injured, and that the patrol continued its mission.
The statement explained that UNIFIL informed the Lebanese and Israeli armies of this activity yesterday, according to what is usual for all activities within sensitive areas close to the “Blue Line.”
Based on the available information, the peacekeepers concluded that the drone belonged to the “Israeli Army,” and that it crossed the “Blue Line” in violation of UN Security Council Resolution “1701.” UNIFIL considered the use of an armed drone to be unacceptable, reminding the “Israeli Army” of the necessity of respecting the “Blue Line,” ensuring the safety of peacekeeping forces, and refraining from attacking them or near them.
The statement concluded by emphasizing that this behavior constitutes a violation of Resolution 1701 and international law, hinders the tasks assigned to peacekeeping forces by the Security Council, and jeopardizes efforts to rebuild stability along the “Blue Line.”
