Lebanon: Italian soldiers safe, Crosetto protests with Gallant

On Thursday 10 October, the Italian Minister of Defence, Guido Crosetto, expressed a strong protest against his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant, following incidents involving Italian UNIFIL bases in southern Lebanon. Shots directed towards the UN mission headquarters and actions against the surveillance and communication systems of the Italian bases have been defined as “unacceptable” from Crosetto, who called for the immediate cessation of any threat to the safety of Italian soldiers. In a joint diplomatic action, the Israeli ambassador to Italy was summoned and a formal communication was sent to the United Nations.

“Since the early hours of this morning I have contacted the Israeli Minister of Defense, Yoav Gallant, to protest with him and to firmly remind him that what is happening near the Italian UNIFIL bases in South Lebanon and, in general, towards the UNIFIL contingent starting from the shooting at the UNIFIL headquarters is, for me and for the Italian government, unacceptable. Even though I have received guarantees of the utmost attention to the safety of military personnel, I have reiterated that any possible error that could put the soldiers, both Italian and UNIFIL, at risk must be avoided. As part of my prerogatives, this afternoon, I also summoned the Israeli ambassador to Italy with whom I firmly protested, asking him to formally represent to the Minister of Defense and the Chief of the Israeli Armed Forces that what is happening in South Lebanon, towards the contingent, the headquarters and, in particular, towards the Italian UNIFIL bases is absolutely unacceptable, as well as being in clear contrast to International Law and in open violation of Resolution 1701”.

“Regarding the incidents at UNIFIL bases 1-31 and 1-32A,” added the Minister Crosetto, “No Italian military personnel were involved. Yesterday evening, regular IDF soldiers neutralized some components of the video surveillance system at base 1-31, the lighting system and a radio repeater at base 1-32A by shooting with small arms. This morning, several small arms shots hit the interior of base 1-31, which was followed by a drone flyover. The situation is currently under control, the personnel are safe. However, these incidents are intolerable, they must be carefully and decisively avoided. For these reasons, I have protested to my Israeli counterpart and to the Israeli ambassador to Italy. This morning, I sent a formal communication to the United Nations to reiterate the unacceptability of what is happening in South Lebanon and to ensure Italy's full and constructive cooperation in all military initiatives aimed at promoting a de-escalation of the situation and the restoration of international law. The safety of the Italian military deployed in Lebanon remains an absolute priority for me and for the entire Italian Government, so that the Italian Peacekeepers continue their work of mediation and support for Peace and stability in Lebanon and the entire region".