UNIFIL says Israeli drone dropped device near patrol in southern Lebanon

The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has accused the Israeli army of endangering peacekeepers after a drone incident during a routine patrol near Kfarkela in southern Lebanon.

In a statement posted on X, UNIFIL said its personnel observed two drones flying over the patrol “in a hostile manner”. Peacekeepers then noticed that one of the drones was carrying an unidentified object and entered an area that posed “a direct threat” to their safety.

“According to standard operating procedures, the soldiers took defensive action against this threat,” UNIFIL said.

The force said the drone subsequently dropped a stun grenade, which exploded around 50 metres from the patrol before the aircraft headed back towards Israel. No injuries were reported.

UNIFIL said it informed both the Israeli and Lebanese armies of the activity, in line with standard procedures for incidents occurring near the Blue Line.

Peacekeepers concluded that the drone belonged to the Israeli army and had crossed the Blue Line in violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701. UNIFIL said the use of an armed drone in the area was “unacceptable”.

The UN mission reiterated its call on Israel to respect the Blue Line, ensure the safety of peacekeepers, and cease attacks against or near UN forces.

UNIFIL said the incident constituted a breach of Resolution 1701 and international law, obstructed its Security Council-mandated mission, and risked undermining efforts to restore stability along the Blue Line.

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