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 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. Indifferent Moscow. 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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In light of the ICC’s arrest warrants against Israeli leaders, what implications do you foresee for international alliances and the approach to justice in conflict zones?
**Interview with Dr. Elena Rossi, International Relations Expert**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Rossi. Let’s start with the recent developments in Lebanon. The Unifil base has come under attack again, resulting in injuries to Italian soldiers. How significant is this incident in the context of international peacekeeping efforts?
**Dr. Rossi:** Thank you for having me. The attack on the Unifil base is indeed a serious matter. It not only endangers the lives of peacekeepers but also undermines the foundation of international law and peacekeeping operations. Such attacks are viewed as blatant violations of UN resolutions and could escalate tensions in an already volatile region. It highlights the need for stronger protections for peacekeepers and a renewed commitment from all parties involved to respect their mandate.
**Interviewer:** The Italian government has condemned these actions strongly, with Defense Minister Guido Crosetto stating that it’s intolerable. What actions do you think Italy should take moving forward?
**Dr. Rossi:** Italy’s firm stance is important, and it should continue to advocate for the safety of its forces while engaging diplomatically with both Hezbollah and Israel. Seeking direct dialog with the new Israeli Defense Minister is a strategic move. Italy might also want to work through the EU to establish a more cohesive response to these attacks, ensuring that peacekeepers are safeguarded and that the militancy in the region is addressed effectively.
**Interviewer:** Meanwhile, the ICC has issued arrest warrants against Israeli leaders for alleged war crimes. How do you see this affecting international relations, particularly in the West?
**Dr. Rossi:** The issuance of these warrants has created a significant rift in the West. While some leaders support accountability for war crimes, others, like President Biden, defend Israel’s right to security and view the ICC’s actions as politicized. This divide could affect alliances and cooperation in international diplomacy. It’s crucial for nations to find common ground on human rights and the rule of law while also addressing legitimate security concerns.
**Interviewer:** There’s a sentiment that the situation is increasingly complex, with both Hezbollah and Israel at loggerheads. How should the international community navigate this tension?
**Dr. Rossi:** The international community must promote dialog and comprehensive peace talks that include all stakeholders. It’s essential to de-escalate military actions and prioritize humanitarian efforts. Supporting diplomatic channels through established organizations like the UN and enhancing civilian protection can help mitigate violence. The focus should shift from military solutions to sustainable peace-building efforts.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Rossi, for your insights. It seems clear that the road ahead will require careful navigation and strong diplomatic efforts.
**Dr. Rossi:** Absolutely. Thank you for the opportunity to discuss these pressing issues.
