UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon have faced a dramatic increase in aggressive behaviour from Israeli forces over the past year, according to an internal report seen by the Associated Press. Incidents rose from just one in January to 27 in December, including drone-dropped grenades and machine-gun fire.
The report, compiled by one of the 48 nations contributing to the UNIFIL force, alleges that the targeting of peacekeepers aims to undermine the international mission and strengthen Israel's military footprint along the UN-drawn border, known as the Blue Line. The document was shared on condition that the contributing country not be identified.
Israel has long mistrusted UNIFIL, accusing it of failing to prevent Hezbollah from building up its military presence in violation of ceasefire agreements. The Israeli military denied conducting a deterrence campaign against UNIFIL, stating it works to reduce harm to peacekeepers while dismantling Hezbollah.
UNIFIL confirmed that attacks on or near peacekeepers have increased since September 2025, with most incidents attributed to the Israeli military. The UN force reported additional incidents this year, including an Israeli tank opening fire on a UNIFIL post and a drone dropping a stun grenade near a patrol.
The report details multiple instances of grenades dropped by Israeli drones, machine-gun fire near positions, and damaged vehicles. It notes a spike in direct fire from Israeli positions, reaching 77 incidents in December. The report suggests Israel may be using these incidents to maintain a military presence north of the border and prevent the return of displaced civilians.
The situation comes amid an uncertain future for UNIFIL, whose mandate is due to end this year. The US administration has reportedly viewed the mission as a waste of money. Meanwhile, the UN and Lebanon say Israeli forces dropped herbicide on Lebanese territory, forcing a pause in peacekeeping activities.
