Israel recommends Lebanon peace keepers move, says UN envoy

FILE PHOTO: United Nations peacekeepers (UNIFIL) look at the Lebanese-Israeli border

FILE PHOTO: Members of the United Nations peacekeepers (UNIFIL) look at the Lebanese-Israeli border, as they stand on the roof of a watch tower ‏in the town of Marwahin, in southern Lebanon, October 12, 2023. REUTERS/Thaier Al-Sudani/File Photo

Source: REUTERS

Israel is focused on fighting Hezbollah and recommends that the United Nations peacekeeping force (UNIFIL) in southern Lebanon move north, Israel's U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon said on Thursday after Israeli forces fired on several U.N. positions.

"Our recommendation is that UNIFIL relocate 5 km (3 miles) north to avoid danger as fighting intensifies and while the situation along the Blue Line remains volatile as a result of Hezbollah's aggression," Danon said in a statement.

He said that "Israel has no desire to be in Lebanon, but it will do what is necessary" to force Hezbollah away from its northern border so 70,000 residents can return to their homes in northern Israel.

This article was produced by Reuters news agency. It has not been edited by Global South World.

By Reuters