EU stands firm: No withdrawal of UN troops from southern Lebanon

European Union nations that contribute to the United Nations peacekeeping force UNIFIL in Lebanon have no plans to withdraw from the southern part of the country, despite Israeli calls for the U.N. to pull back its forces, Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg said.

Since the start of Israel's ground operation against Hezbollah militants on October 1, UNIFIL positions have come under fire, and the U.N. reported that two Israeli tanks forced their way through the gates of one of its bases. Five peacekeepers have been injured during the recent escalations.

Sixteen EU member states, including Austria, contribute to UNIFIL, and these incidents have raised significant alarm among European governments. However, Schallenberg, summarizing the outcome of discussions among EU foreign ministers on Monday, said European countries had no intention of withdrawing their troops despite the volatile situation.

"There was no debate about pulling back or whatever," Schallenberg told Reuters in an interview from Brussels, underscoring the consensus among EU member states to maintain their commitments to the peacekeeping mission, per Caliber.Az.

"They are there to stay," he emphasized, "but the security and the safety of our troops is paramount and has to be ensured by everybody." Austria, which has about 160 soldiers stationed with UNIFIL, is among the countries standing firm in its commitment.

The debate emerged after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged the United Nations on October 13 to withdraw UNIFIL from what he described as "Hezbollah strongholds and combat zones" in the southern part of Lebanon, as the Israeli military engages in its operations against the militant group.

However, Schallenberg noted that, while Israel has the right to defend itself against Hezbollah's threats, unintentional or otherwise, attacks on U.N. peacekeepers are a violation of international law. "There’s a clear demand on Israel to be very cautious on this," he said, stressing that all parties involved in the conflict must ensure the safety of the peacekeeping forces.

The interview with Schallenberg took place late on October 16 afternoon and highlighted Austria's and the EU's determination to continue their support for UNIFIL, even amidst the rising tensions and concerns for the safety of the deployed forces.

By Tamilla Hasanova