Italy formally lodged a complaint with Israel after attacks on the UNIFIL headquarters in Lebanon and two Italian bases. Defence Minister Guido Crosetto summoned the Israeli ambassador in response.
Two Indonesian peacekeepers suffered injuries from IDF tank fire on an observation turret. However, none of the 1,000 Italian soldiers involved in the UN mission were harmed, according to a UNIFIL spokesperson.
“The Italian government has formally protested to the Israeli authorities and firmly reiterated that what is happening around the UNIFIL contingent base is not acceptable,” read a statement from Premier Giorgia Meloni’s office. The statement followed a phone call between Meloni and General Messina, commander of UNIFIL’s Western Sector.
“For this reason, the government, through the Minister of Defence, summoned the Israeli Ambassador to Italy.”
Meloni expressed her and the government’s support for Italian soldiers in Lebanon. She remains in contact with Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Defence Minister Guido Crosetto.
“Meloni recalled that the Italians continue to provide invaluable work for the stabilisation of the area, in compliance with the United Nations mandate.”
The statement confirmed the government’s commitment to UNIFIL’s role and the cessation of hostilities in the region.
Crosetto also condemned the attack, saying, “These incidents are intolerable and must be carefully, decisively avoided.”
He protested to both his Israeli counterpart and the Israeli ambassador.
“This morning, I sent a formal communication to the United Nations to reiterate the unacceptability of what is happening in Southern Lebanon.”
Crosetto said, “The safety of Italian soldiers deployed in Lebanon remains an absolute priority for me and for the entire government.” He added Italy remains committed to peace efforts in Lebanon and the wider region.
Last week, Italian journalists were threatened in Lebanon. Their driver died of a heart attack.
