IDF says warning shots at ‘suspects’ UN peacekeepers were unintentional, blames ‘poor weather’

Israel’s military said on Sunday that its troops did not intentionally fire at United Nations peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, saying the soldiers were mistaken for “suspects” during poor weather conditions.

“After a review, it was determined that the suspects were UN soldiers who were conducting a patrol in the area and were classified as suspects due to poor weather conditions,” the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement. It added, “No deliberate fire was directed toward UNIFIL soldiers.”

The IDF said troops in the Al-Hamames area initially spotted “two suspects” and fired warning shots, forcing them to withdraw. A later review confirmed the individuals were UN peacekeepers.

“The IDF emphasizes that no deliberate fire was directed toward UNIFIL soldiers, and the matter is being handled through official liaison channels,” the statement said, noting that operations would continue to “remove any threat” to Israel.

Earlier, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said Israeli troops fired from a Merkava tank near an Israeli post, with heavy machine gun rounds landing about five meters from peacekeepers on foot. The peacekeepers took cover and contacted Israeli forces through liaison channels to stop the firing. They withdrew safely around 30 minutes later after the tank pulled back. No injuries were reported.

UNIFIL called the incident a “serious violation” of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and urged the IDF to “cease any aggressive behavior and attacks on or near peacekeepers,” stressing that UN personnel are working to stabilise the area.

UNIFIL positions have been hit multiple times since cross-border clashes began after the Gaza war in October 2023. Despite a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, Israel has continued limited strikes in Lebanon, citing Hezbollah threats, and has maintained positions beyond a February 18 withdrawal deadline.