Israel Accuses UNIFIL of Shooting Down a Reconnaissance Drone Over Southern Lebanon

On Monday, the Israeli army accused the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) of shooting down one of its reconnaissance drones over southern Lebanon.

Army spokesperson Nadav Shoshani wrote on the social media platform X that “a preliminary investigation indicates that UNIFIL forces stationed nearby deliberately opened fire on the drone and brought it down.”

UNIFIL has operated in Lebanon since 1978, with a mandate to prevent renewed conflict, ensure the withdrawal of Israeli forces, and support the Lebanese army in extending its authority across the country’s south.

Despite the ceasefire agreement signed in southern Lebanon, Israel continues to maintain positions in five locations inside Lebanese territory.

Almost a year after the ceasefire was reached, Israel continues to carry out airstrikes in southern Lebanon, claiming to target Hezbollah activities aimed at rebuilding its military capabilities.

UNIFIL currently includes around ten thousand troops from more than forty-five countries, along with civilian staff, making it one of the oldest and largest UN peacekeeping missions in the Middle East.

However, the international force faces growing challenges, particularly restrictions on its movements imposed by Hezbollah and deteriorating security conditions along the southern border. Concerns are rising that the mission could be drawn into a direct confrontation as tensions between Israel and Lebanon escalate in the aftermath of the Gaza war.

UNIFIL has repeatedly complained about Israeli violations and attacks against its personnel.

On August 28, the United Nations Security Council renewed UNIFIL’s mandate until December 31, 2026, with a gradual withdrawal scheduled to begin one year after that date.