US defence chief urges Israel to safeguard UN peacekeepers in Lebanon

Washington [US], October 18: US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on Wednesday called on Israel to protect UN peacekeeping troops in southern Lebanon.
Austin, in a phone call with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant, stressed the importance of taking all necessary measures "to ensure the safety and security of UNIFIL forces [United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon] and the Lebanese Armed Forces," according to an Austin post on the social media platform X.
Austin also pointed out the need "to pursue a diplomatic pathway to provide security for civilians on both sides of the border as soon as feasible." UN peacekeepers in Lebanon have come under fire several times in recent days, with at least four soldiers injured. Israeli tanks also forcibly broke through the main gate of a UN base in southern Lebanon on Sunday. Israel accuses the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia of using areas near UNIFIL bases for its own purposes. (dpa)
Source: Qatar Tribune