Tensions flared along the Israel–Lebanon border on Monday after the Israeli military accused United Nations peacekeepers (UNIFIL) of deliberately shooting down one of its surveillance drones during a routine mission near Kfar Kila, southern Lebanon.
According to IDF spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani, the drone was conducting an “intelligence-gathering activity” when it was allegedly targeted by UNIFIL forces. He emphasized that the drone posed “no threat” to peacekeepers in the area. “An initial inquiry suggests that UNIFIL forces stationed nearby deliberately fired at the drone and downed it,” Shoshani stated on X (formerly Twitter).
Following the drone’s downing, Israeli troops reportedly dropped a grenade near the crash site, but the army clarified that no direct fire was aimed at the peacekeepers. The incident quickly drew attention from UNIFIL, which confirmed that its personnel had taken defensive measures after an Israeli drone flew “aggressively” over their patrol.
In a statement, UNIFIL said: “The peacekeepers applied necessary defensive countermeasures to neutralize the drone.” The mission further condemned the incident, saying it demonstrated “a disregard for the safety and security of peacekeepers implementing Security Council-mandated tasks.”
UNIFIL also alleged that shortly after neutralizing the first drone, another Israeli UAV approached the same patrol and dropped a grenade, followed by a tank shell fired in their direction. Fortunately, no casualties or damage were recorded.
The confrontation comes amid renewed tension in the region, despite a ceasefire agreement that requires Israeli troops to withdraw from southern Lebanon while Hezbollah moves north of the Litani River and dismantles its southern infrastructure. Under the deal, only UNIFIL and the Lebanese Army are permitted to operate in the area.
However, Israel has maintained military presence at five strategic border points, citing security concerns, and has intensified air and artillery strikes in recent weeks.
The Lebanese government, under U.S. pressure, has begun discussions on disarming Hezbollah—an effort the group and its allies firmly oppose.
As both sides trade accusations, the fragile calm in southern Lebanon appears increasingly at risk, raising fears of another escalation between Israel, Hezbollah, and international peacekeeping forces.
