United Nations’ peacekeepers in Lebanon have said two of the four tunnels allegedly discovered by Israel cross the border between the two countries, violating a ceasefire agreement that ended a 2006 war.
In a statement on Monday, the UN Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said it “can confirm that two of the tunnels cross the Blue Line”.“These constitute violations of the UN Security Council Resolution 1701,” the peacekeeping force said in a statement, referring to the agreement that ended the 34-day war between Hezbollah and Israel in 2006. The resolution bans all unauthorised weapons between the Litani River and the UN-monitored border between Israel and Lebanon. Under the resolution, Lebanon’s army is responsible for security on its side of the border in a zone from which any other armed force, including Hezbollah, is banned.Israel accuses Hezbollah of digging the tunnels. The Lebanese armed group has not commented on the UN operation.
On Sunday, the Israeli army said it discovered a fourth tunnel which it proceeded to destroy as part of a military operation launched in early December and aimed at “exposing” and “thwarting” potential incursions into its territory.The UN peacekeepers said they would continue their technical investigations, describing the recent discoveries as “a matter of serious concern,” requesting “urgent follow-up actions” by the Lebanese authorities. In Beirut, Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri said his country is committed to the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement and respect of the Blue Line.Hariri said in a meeting with General Stefano Del Col, the UNIFIL head, that the Lebanese army will conduct patrols to deal “with any flaw in the implementation” of the ceasefire.
Friday, April 17, 2026
