What's happened
A UN report reveals a surge in incidents targeting peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, with attacks increasing from one in January to 27 in December 2025. The violence appears aimed at undermining UNIFIL and expanding Israel's military presence, amid ongoing conflict involving Hezbollah and Israel. The UN mission faces an uncertain future as tensions escalate.
What's behind the headline?
The recent spike in attacks on UNIFIL peacekeepers signals a strategic shift by Israel and possibly Hezbollah. The report details incidents such as drone drops of stun grenades, machine-gun fire, and damage to UN vehicles, most attributed to Israeli forces. This escalation suggests Israel may be using these incidents to justify a continued military footprint north of the Blue Line, potentially undermining the UN mission's legitimacy. The timing, following Israel's 2023 war escalation and Hezbollah's support for Hamas, indicates a broader effort to solidify control in southern Lebanon. The UN's upcoming withdrawal could leave a power vacuum, risking further instability. The international community faces a critical choice: sustain peacekeeping or accept a return to open conflict, with the US and Israel pushing for a reevaluation of UNIFIL's role.
What the papers say
The New Arab reports that incidents surged from one in January to 27 in December 2025, with most attributed to Israeli military actions aimed at undermining UNIFIL. The Independent highlights Israel's long mistrust of UNIFIL and the recent increase in aggressive behavior since September 2025, including drone attacks and direct fire. AP News emphasizes the broader context of ongoing conflict, noting the UN Security Council's decision to end the mission by 2026 amid Israeli accusations of failure and Lebanese calls for a follow-up force. All sources agree that tensions are escalating, with Israel possibly using these incidents to justify a continued military presence, despite UN claims of marked neutrality.
How we got here
Since the 2006 Lebanon War, international peacekeeping efforts have maintained a fragile ceasefire along the Lebanon-Israel border. The 2024 full-scale war between Israel and Hezbollah, following rocket attacks and Israeli strikes, has intensified tensions. UNIFIL's mission, established to monitor ceasefire compliance, is scheduled to end this year amid disagreements over its effectiveness and funding, especially with the US considering it a waste of money.
Go deeper
Common question
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Why Are Attacks on UN Peacekeepers in Lebanon Increasing?
Recent reports reveal a sharp rise in violence against UN peacekeepers in Lebanon, raising concerns about regional stability. Understanding what's driving these attacks, how international forces are responding, and what it means for peace efforts is crucial. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this escalating conflict and the efforts to restore peace in the region.
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Why Are Attacks on UN Peacekeepers Increasing in Lebanon?
Recent reports reveal a sharp rise in attacks targeting UN peacekeepers along the Lebanon-Israel border. This escalation raises questions about the underlying causes, regional tensions, and what it means for international peace efforts. Below, we explore the key issues driving this surge in violence and what it could mean for future peacekeeping missions.
More on these topics
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Lebanon, officially known as the Lebanese Republic, is a country in Western Asia. It is bordered by Syria to the north and east and Israel to the south, while Cyprus lies west across the Mediterranean Sea.
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The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, or UNIFIL, is a UN-NATO peacekeeping mission established on 19 March 1978 by United Nations Security Council Resolutions 425 and 426, to confirm Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon which Israel had invaded five day
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Hezbollah is a Shia Islamist political party and militant group based in Lebanon. Hezbollah's paramilitary wing is the Jihad Council, and its political wing is the Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc party in the Lebanese parliament.
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The Israel Defense Forces, commonly known in Israel by the Hebrew acronym Tzahal, are the military forces of the State of Israel. They consist of the ground forces, air force, and navy. It is the sole military wing of the Israeli security forces, and has