Archive · 17 Nov 2025
IDF Admits Firing at UN Peacekeepers in Lebanon, Blames Weather
Soldiers from Israel (IDF) accidentally shot at peacekeepers from the United Nations (UN) in Lebanon.
The IDF said it was because of bad weather and they didn't mean to shoot at the peacekeepers.
The UN peacekeepers said this was a serious mistake and the IDF should stop being aggressive near them.
This happened in an area where there have been fights before, and even though there's a peace deal, Israel still does some attacks in Lebanon.
IDF confirmed firing at two UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon
Attributed the incident to misclassification due to poor weather conditions
UNIFIL reported Israeli troops fired heavy machine gun rounds near peacekeepers on foot
UNIFIL called the incident a 'serious violation' of UN Security Council Resolution 1701
No injuries were reported, and IDF stated no deliberate fire was directed at UNIFIL soldiers
- Who
- Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeepers
- What
- IDF troops fired shots toward UN peacekeepers, later confirming it was a misclassification due to weather, while UNIFIL described it as a serious violation.
- When
- Recently, amid ongoing cross-border clashes since October 2023.
- Where
- Southern Lebanon, in the Al-Hamames area.
- Why
- IDF stated misclassification due to poor weather conditions. UNIFIL views the action as a violation of Resolution 1701 and aggressive behavior.
UNIFIL
Israel Defense Forces (IDF)
Nature of the Incident
UNIFIL
UNIFIL reported Israeli troops fired from a Merkava tank near an Israeli post, with heavy machine gun rounds landing close to peacekeepers on foot. They deemed it a 'serious violation' of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and urged the IDF to cease aggressive behavior.
Israel Defense Forces (IDF)
The IDF confirmed opening fire at two individuals, citing 'misclassification due to poor weather conditions.' They emphasized no deliberate fire was directed at UNIFIL soldiers and stated the matter is being handled through liaison channels.
IDF Actions and Rationale
UNIFIL
UNIFIL stated peacekeepers took cover and contacted Israeli forces to halt the firing. They were able to withdraw safely after the tank retreated.
Israel Defense Forces (IDF)
The IDF stated warning shots were fired, forcing a withdrawal. They confirmed a later review identified the individuals as UN peacekeepers. The IDF maintains operations to 'remove any threat' to Israel.
- Date of Incident
- Recent (implied by context of ongoing clashes and UNIFIL statements)
- Location
- Al-Hamames area, southern Lebanon
- Peacekeeper Status
- On foot patrol, UNIFIL
- Weapon Used (IDF claim)
- Merkava tank, heavy machine gun rounds
- Reported Injuries
- None
- IDF Explanation
- Misclassification due to poor weather conditions
- UNIFIL Assessment
- Serious violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701
Sources
Israeli forces step up operations in southern Syria: Monitoring group
Israeli forces step up operations in southern Syria: Monitoring group
Israeli forces open fire on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon, no injuries reported
Israeli forces open fire on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon, no injuries reported
IDF says warning shots at 'suspects' UN peacekeepers were unintentional, blames 'poor weather'
Lebanon plans UN complaint against Israel over border wall
