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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What are the potential consequences of the ICC’s arrest warrants against Israeli leaders for international diplomatic relations and future peace negotiations in the Middle East?
**Interview with Dr. Maria Rossi, International Relations Expert**
**Host:** Today, we have Dr. Maria Rossi, an expert in international relations, to discuss the recent attacks on the Unifil base in Southern Lebanon and the complications arising from the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrants against Israeli leaders. Welcome, Dr. Rossi.
**Dr. Rossi:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Let’s start with the recent rocket attack on the Unifil base. What does this signify in terms of international law and the situation in Lebanon?
**Dr. Rossi:** The attack represents a serious violation of international law, especially UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which calls for respect and protection of peacekeeping forces. Such acts endanger not just the peacekeepers but also further destabilize an already volatile region.
**Host:** The response from the Italian government has been quite strong. Why is that?
**Dr. Rossi:** Italy is deeply invested in the Unifil mission. When its soldiers come under fire, it raises both national security concerns and questions about the effectiveness of the peacekeeping mandate. Minister Crosetto’s demand for accountability and the protection of Italian troops highlights Italy’s commitment to their safety and operational integrity.
**Host:** Moving on to the ICC’s arrest warrants against Israeli leaders—how is that being perceived internationally, especially by the US?
**Dr. Rossi:** The West is indeed divided. The US, represented by President Biden, has outright condemned the ICC’s move, arguing there’s no moral equivalence between Israel’s actions and those of Hamas. This reflects a longstanding bias in favor of Israel among Western allies, which complicates the dynamics of accountability for potential war crimes.
**Host:** What implications could these developments have for future peace efforts in the region?
**Dr. Rossi:** The combination of attacks on peacekeepers and the legal scrutiny of Israeli leaders creates a tense atmosphere. It could lead to a further entrenchment of positions on both sides, making it increasingly difficult to achieve a ceasefire or any diplomatic resolution. The peacekeepers are intended to facilitate dialogue, but if their safety is compromised, we might see a quick deterioration of the situation.
**Host:** What can be done to address these challenges?
**Dr. Rossi:** Continued international pressure is essential for both sides to adhere to international law. Diplomatic channels must remain open, and organizations like the UN should be proactive in peacekeeping efforts. Most importantly, we need a collective commitment to finding a sustainable solution, which includes ensuring the safety of peacekeepers.
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Rossi. Your insights are invaluable as we navigate these complex issues.
**Dr. Rossi:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial we continue the conversation around peace, accountability, and international law.