Rules of engagement for UN forces in Lebanon may need to change: Italy

By Ahmet Gencturk

ATHENS (AA) - The rules of engagement for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) may need to change as the situation on the ground swiftly evolves, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Tuesday.

Recalling that Italy has military contingents within the framework of UNIFIL, with one in Beirut and one along the Lebanese-Israeli border, Tajani said they would like to know whether the UN will modify the rules of engagement in light of the swiftly changing conditions in the country.

Also stressing that Italy is closely following developments through its embassies in Beirut and Tel Aviv as well as the situation of its citizens in Lebanon, he said: “We are ready to protect them in all possible ways.”

“Israel has the right to defend itself but must prevent the conflict from spreading and must not fall for (Hezbollah’s) provocations,” Tajani said.

Fears have grown of a full-blown war between Israel and the Lebanese group amid months-long exchanges of cross-border fire.

The escalation comes against the backdrop of an Israeli onslaught on Gaza which has killed more than 39,000 people since last October following an attack by the Palestinian group Hamas.