Italian Government
LEBANON. ITALIAN SOLDIERS ARE SAFE. MINISTER CROSETTO PROTESTS TO ISRAELI DEFENCE MINISTER GALLANT. ISRAELI AMBASSADOR TO ITALY SUMMONED
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"Early this morning I contacted the Israeli Minister of Defence, Yoav Gallant, to protest and to remind him firmly that the events near the Italian UNIFIL bases in South Lebanon - and in general towards the UNIFIL contingent, starting with firing at the UNIFIL headquarters - is unacceptable to me and to the Italian government. Although I have received assurances of the utmost care to the safety of military personnel, I have reiterated that any possible mistake that could endanger soldiers, both Italian and UNIFIL, must be avoided. As part of my prerogatives, this afternoon, I also summoned the Israeli Ambassador to Italy, with whom I lodged a strong protest, asking him to formally inform the Minister of Defence and the Chief of the Israeli Armed Forces that what is happening in southern Lebanon, towards the UNIFIL contingent, headquarters and, in particular, the Italian bases, is totally unacceptable. It clearly contradicts international law and is in open violation of Resolution 1701".
"Regarding the incidents at UNIFIL posts 1-31 and 1-32A," Minister Crosetto added, "no Italian military personnel were involved. Yesterday evening, regular IDF soldiers neutralised some components of the video surveillance system at post 1-31, the lighting system and a radio repeater at base 1-32A with small arms fire. This morning, some small arms fire landed inside Post 1-31, followed by a drone overflight. The situation is now under control and personnel are safe. However, these incidents are unacceptable and must be carefully and resolutely avoided. For these reasons, I have protested to my Israeli counterpart and to the Israeli ambassador in Italy. This morning I sent a formal communication to the United Nations to reiterate the unacceptability of what is happening in southern Lebanon and to assure Italy's full and constructive cooperation in any military initiative aimed at promoting a de-escalation of the situation and the restoration of international law. The safety of the Italian troops deployed in Lebanon remains an absolute priority for Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni - who I keep constantly informed and who is following the evolution of the situation with great attention - for me and for the entire Italian Government, so that the Italian peacekeepers can continue their work of mediation and support for peace and stability in Lebanon and the entire region".
