Lebanon announced on Monday its plans to lodge a formal complaint against Israel at the UN Security Council, condemning ongoing attacks on its armed forces in the southern region.
The Lebanese Foreign Ministry directed its permanent UN mission in New York to submit the complaint, denouncing the recent escalation. According to the ministry’s statement, two soldiers were killed and three injured, one critically, in an Israeli strike on a military outpost in Mari, located in the Hasbaiyya district of southern Lebanon.
This incident brings the total number of Lebanese soldiers killed by Israeli attacks since October 8, 2023, to 36.
The ministry criticised Israel’s actions, stating they undermine international efforts to enforce UN Security Council Resolution 1701. The resolution calls for a ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel and the establishment of a demilitarised zone between the Blue Line and the Litani River, with the Lebanese army and UNIFIL maintaining presence in the area.
Highlighting the importance of protecting Lebanese forces, the ministry stressed that supporting the army is essential for securing Lebanon’s borders.
Tensions have escalated since late September when Israel launched an air campaign in Lebanon, targeting what it claims are Hezbollah positions. This marks an intensification of hostilities tied to Israel’s ongoing conflict in Gaza.
According to Lebanese health authorities, Israeli attacks since October last year have killed over 3,500 people, injured nearly 15,000, and displaced more than 1 million. The conflict expanded further with Israel’s ground assault into southern Lebanon on October 1 this year.
