This morning, peacekeepers on a routine patrol near Kafer Kela observed two drones hovering aggressively above them. The peacekeepers could see one of the drones was carrying an unidentified object and assessed it had entered a range that constituted an immediate threat to the safety and security of peacekeepers. Following established procedures, the peacekeepers took defensive action against the threat. The drone then dropped a stun grenade that exploded about fifty metres away from the peacekeepers before flying toward Israeli territory. Fortunately, no one was hurt, and the patrol continued.
UNIFIL had informed both the Israeli and Lebanese armies about the activity yesterday, as we do with all activities in sensitive areas near the Blue Line.
Based on the circumstances, peacekeepers assess that the drone belonged to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and crossed the Blue Line in violation of Security Council resolution 1701. Such use of armed drones is unacceptable. We reiterate to the IDF its obligation to respect the Blue Line, ensure the safety of peacekeepers, and cease attacks on or near them. Such IDF action is in violation of resolution 1701 and international law and interferes with peacekeepers’ Security Council-mandated tasks and puts efforts to rebuild stability along the Blue Line at risk.