The bases of the Unifil mission in southern Lebanon are back under attack. The Italian headquarters in Shama was hit again. This time there are injuries, four, fortunately not life-threatening. In the early hours of the day, the mission announced, two 122 mm rockets hit a bunker and a logistics area used by the international military police, causing significant damage to nearby infrastructure. One of the structures caught fire, but the flames were quickly put out. Due to the explosion, some glass shattered, hitting the four soldiers belonging to the Sassari Brigade, who immediately received treatment at the base hospital. Recalling that “any attack against peacekeepers constitutes a serious violation of international law and of UN Security Council Resolution 1701”, Unifil, which evoked the responsibility of Hezbollah or affiliated groups, urged the parties struggling to avoid fighting near its positions: “Deliberate or accidental attacks against peacekeepers must cease immediately.”
The attack sparked outrage from the Italian government. Our contingent “remains in southern Lebanon to offer a window of opportunity for peace and cannot become hostage to militia attacks”, commented Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, informing that he had immediately contacted the headquarters to ensure the conditions of the military, “it is intolerable that once again a Unifil base has been hit”. Crosetto then announced that he wanted to “speak with the new Israeli Defense Minister, which has been impossible since his inauguration until today, to ask him to avoid using the Unifil bases as a shield”. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni learned the news of the new attacks “with profound indignation and concern” and reiterated “once again” that “they are unacceptable”. Meloni then renewed the appeal “so that the parties on the ground guarantee, at all times, the safety of the Unifil soldiers and collaborate to quickly identify those responsible”. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani remarked that, “just as we told Israel to pay maximum attention, we say it equally firmly to Hezbollah. The Italian military cannot be touched”, “Hezbollah learns to use weapons, which evidently he doesn’t know how to use and causes damage.” “Intolerable criminal acts” is the summary of the Democratic Party secretary Elly Schlein, who asked “at the same time that the government report as soon as possible on the initiatives that are being adopted for the ceasefire”. A firm condemnation of the attacks, which represent “a serious and unacceptable violation of international law”, also came from the EU High Representative for Foreign Policy Josep Borrell.
And the announcement by the International Criminal Court in The Hague of the issuing of arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accused of war crimes and against humanity in the Gaza Strip. The West appears divided on the decision and its possible application. US President Joe Biden defined it as “scandalous”, “whatever the ICC may insinuate, there is no equivalence, none, between Israel and Hamas. We will always be at Israel’s side against threats to its security”. While President-elect Donald Trump, according to Israeli media, is considering personal sanctions against the chief prosecutor of the ICC Karim Khan and the judges who issued the warrants. Viktor Orban is also ready to challenge the Hague Court. The Hungarian prime minister confirmed that the mandate “will not be respected” and invited Netanyahu to the country. The German government “takes note” of the sentence, adding that it will evaluate “further steps” only “when a visit to Germany by Netanyahu and Gallant is foreseeable”. Paris also takes note of the ICC’s decision, reiterating loyalty “to its long-standing commitment to supporting international justice”, but without specifying whether it will carry out arrests if the two accused were to enter French territory. Madrid and London, however, have assured that they are ready to execute the arrest warrants. Moscow is indifferent. The Kremlin has made it known that it considers the Hague decisions to be “insignificant” and of no legal value, considering that an arrest warrant has also been issued against Putin. Beijing instead hopes that the Court “maintains an objective and impartial position and exercises its powers in accordance with the law and in accordance with the unified standards, and that it fully and in good faith interprets and applies the Rome Statute and the laws general”.
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How does the issuance of arrest warrants by the International Criminal Court against Israeli leaders influence the current dynamics of the Israel-Palestine conflict?
**Interview with International Relations Expert Dr. Lisa Thompson**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Thompson. There has been significant unrest in Lebanon, particularly with the recent attack on the Unifil base that injured Italian soldiers. What are the broader implications of this situation?
**Dr. Thompson:** Thank you for having me. The attack on the Unifil base highlights the deteriorating security situation in southern Lebanon and raises serious concerns about the safety of international peacekeepers. Italy’s reaction underscores the growing frustration with continuous militia violence that undermines stability in the region. This incident may affect not only bilateral relations between Italy and Lebanon but also the effectiveness of the UN mission as a whole.
**Interviewer:** Italy’s Defense Minister has expressed outrage, emphasizing that their contingent in Lebanon should not become targets. What does this mean for Italy’s military engagement in the area?
**Dr. Thompson:** Italy’s military presence in Lebanon is part of a broader UN mission aimed at maintaining peace and stability. The attack places Italy in a difficult position, as they must balance their commitment to international peacekeeping with the safety of their troops. It’s likely that Italy will push for a reassessment of their deployment policies and seek assurances of protection for their forces. In the long term, a hostile environment could lead to reconsideration of their participation in the mission.
**Interviewer:** On a parallel track, we have seen the International Criminal Court issue arrest warrants against Israeli leaders for alleged war crimes. How does this development intersect with the ongoing violence in the region?
**Dr. Thompson:** The ICC’s decision adds another layer of complexity to an already volatile situation. It reflects the West’s divided stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict, with leaders like U.S. President Biden vehemently opposing the warrants. This division could lead to increased tensions within international diplomatic circles and may embolden groups opposed to Israel, including Hezbollah, who might feel incentivized by the perception of Israeli leaders being legally vulnerable.
**Interviewer:** How can the international community effectively address these escalating conflicts, especially considering the differing opinions regarding accountability and military actions?
**Dr. Thompson:** It will require a concerted effort from the international community to promote dialog and establish clear lines of accountability. Engaging all relevant parties—including Israel, Lebanon, and Palestinian factions—through multilateral negotiations might pave the way for a ceasefire and bilaterally proven pathways to peace. The focus needs to be on enduring political solutions rather than military ones, requiring countries like Italy, the U.S., and EU members to cooperate closely to de-escalate tensions and protect civilians.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Thompson, for your insights. The issues at play here are indeed complex and critical for the future of the region.
**Dr. Thompson:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we pay attention to these developments as they can have far-reaching consequences.
