UNIFIL says Israeli flags on Lebanese roads violate UN resolution

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has accused Israeli flags displayed along a key southern road of breaching UN Security Council Resolution 1701. According to UNIFIL, the raising of Israeli flags along the coastal road in southern Lebanon contravenes the resolution's call for all parties to avoid provocative actions that could escalate tensions.

UNIFIL emphasized the need for all parties to refrain from any provocative acts that could lead to further escalation or breaches of the resolution. The force is urging the Israeli military and other parties to halt violations of the resolution and avoid any actions that could increase tensions. Israeli forces entered southern Lebanon during a conflict with Hezbollah in the earlier part of the year, establishing a unilateral security zone to safeguard northern Israel from attacks by the Iran-backed group.

Recently, a video posted on Israeli Channel 12 showed Israeli flags flying along the coastal road between Naqoura and Tyre, a crucial route used by UNIFIL forces. While Reuters verified the footage's location, they were unable to determine the exact filming date. The UNIFIL spokesperson confirmed that peacekeepers had observed several Israeli flags inside Lebanese territory, including recently placed ones along the coastal road and in Naqoura.

She emphasized that these actions violate Resolution 1701 and called on the Israeli military and all parties to cease such violations and refrain from provocative acts that could lead to further escalation.