Israeli flags on Lebanon highway violate UN resolution, UNIFIL says

UN peacekeepers have identified Israeli flags displayed on a major coastal highway in southern Lebanon as a violation of UN Security Council resolution 1701. The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) issued a statement on Monday urging all parties involved to refrain from "provocative actions" that could heighten tensions.

The flags were observed along the Naqoura-Tyre coastal road, a key route in southern Lebanon also used by UNIFIL. Video footage of the flags, reportedly sent to a journalist by Israeli soldiers, was confirmed by Reuters to be in Lebanese territory. UNIFIL spokesperson Kandice Ardiel confirmed peacekeepers had seen several Israeli flags in Lebanese territory, including recently on the coastal road and in Naqoura village.

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As always, we call on the IDF and all actors to cease violations of the resolution and avoid any provocative action that could increase tensions or trigger further violations.

UNIFIL called on the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and "all actors" to cease violations of the resolution. In response, the Israeli military stated its forces are operating in southern Lebanon to eliminate threats posed by Hezbollah, in line with international law. The military emphasized that Israel's actions are not directed against the Lebanese state or its citizens.

This incident occurs amidst ongoing tensions and a US-brokered deal for a progressive Israeli withdrawal linked to Hezbollah's disarmament. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously cited the buffer zone in southern Lebanon as a significant achievement. Hezbollah, however, opposes negotiations with Israel and refuses to discuss its weapons before an Israeli withdrawal.

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Israel is not acting against the Lebanese state or its citizens.