ALBAWABA- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced plans to visit Lebanon following a series of incidents where the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which includes an Italian battalion, came under Israeli fire.
Addressing the Italian Senate on Tuesday, she confirmed her intention to travel to Lebanon, though she did not specify a date for the visit.
The announcement comes after five UNIFIL peacekeepers were injured in recent days during intensified Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon.
Italy, as the second-largest contributor to UNIFIL, has condemned the attacks multiple times. In a recent conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Meloni underscored that targeting UN peacekeeping forces is "unacceptable."
The situation escalated after Netanyahu issued a controversial warning, suggesting that UNIFIL personnel should vacate their positions near the Blue Line in southern Lebanon to avoid being caught in the crossfire and potentially serving as a "shield" for Hezbollah.
This statement has sparked outrage among European nations, including France, Italy, and Spain, who view it as a threat to the safety of international peacekeepers.
Meloni's visit aims to address the growing concerns over the safety of UNIFIL forces and reaffirm Italy's commitment to peacekeeping efforts in the region amidst escalating tensions.
