A United Nations peacekeeper was slightly wounded after Israeli forces opened fire near a patrol along the tense border with Lebanon, the UN mission reported on Friday, December 26, 2025. The incident marks a serious breach of established security protocols and the ongoing ceasefire.
Details of the Border Incidents
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) stated that the first event took place in the village of Bastarra. Heavy machine-gun fire originating from Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) positions south of the demarcation line struck close to a UN patrol. The patrol was inspecting a roadblock at the time. This gunfire occurred following a grenade explosion in the same area.
While no UN equipment was damaged, one peacekeeper suffered a minor ear concussion from the incident. On the same day, a separate Unifil patrol conducting routine operations in Kfarchouba came under what was described as "close-range" machine-gun fire from the Israeli side.
Unifil's Condemnation and Ceasefire Context
Unifil emphasized in its statement that the IDF had been properly notified in advance about both patrols' movements, following standard coordination procedures designed to prevent such clashes. The mission strongly condemned the actions, labeling them as "serious violations of Security Council Resolution 1701." It urgently called on the Israeli military to halt all "aggressive behavior" directed at its personnel.
These events unfold against the backdrop of a US and French-mediated ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel, which has been in effect since November 27, 2024. This agreement ended clashes linked to the wider Gaza Strip conflict. However, Israel has continued periodic strikes inside Lebanon, citing ongoing threats from Hezbollah.
Furthermore, Israel has maintained its forces at five key positions along the Lebanese border, even after a February 18 deadline for a full withdrawal passed. The IDF did not provide an immediate comment on the latest incidents involving Unifil. Past clashes in southern Lebanon have previously resulted in damage to UN sites and injuries to personnel.
