Lebanon's PM calls Netanyahu's threats to UN peacekeepers challenge to organisation

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati has called on the international community not to leave unanswered Israel's threats to the UN peacekeeping forces deployed on the border of the two countries.

“Prime Minister of the Jewish state Benjamin Netanyahu, who refuses to stop military action in southern Lebanon, has thrown a new challenge to the UN,” said Mikati, whose words are quoted in X (formerly Twitter) by the government press service, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

Mikati said that the ultimatum sent by Netanyahu to UN Secretary General António Guterres demanding the withdrawal of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon [UNIFIL] from its positions must not go unanswered.

The cabinet chief said the threat should prompt the world organisation to respect international legitimacy and provide a new incentive for ceasefire efforts in the southern Arab republic.

“Lebanon, which condemns Netanyahu's stance and his aggressive actions against peacekeepers, reaffirms its commitment to UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and demands a halt to the war unleashed against Lebanon,” Mikati noted.

According to Netanyahu, the Blue Helmets, by remaining in their positions, “become hostages” of the armed units of the Shiite organisation Hezbollah, which are targeted by Israeli troops.

By Khagan Isayev