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 what ways might the recent ICC arrest warrants against Israeli officials influence international diplomatic efforts in the region?
**Interview with International Relations Expert Dr. Elena Russo**
**Host:** Welcome to our program, Dr. Russo. We’ve seen rising tensions recently, especially with the attacks on the Unifil base in Lebanon and the ICC’s issuance of arrest warrants against Israeli leaders. What are your thoughts on the current situation?
**Dr. Russo:** Thank you for having me. This situation is indeed alarming. The attack on the Unifil base, which injured Italian troops, not only endangers the peacekeepers but also complicates the already fragile security dynamics in the region. The international community, particularly the EU, has reiterated that attacks on peacekeeping forces are serious violations of international law. This is underscored by Josep Borrell’s comments calling the attacks unacceptable.
**Host:** How do you see the international response shaping up in light of the ICC’s recent actions against Israeli officials?
**Dr. Russo:** The ICC’s decision to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant brings a complicated layer to the discourse. The division in opinions, particularly from leaders like President Biden calling it ”scandalous,” reflects a deep and contentious geopolitical divide. Countries may support or oppose the ICC’s actions based on their strategic alliances, which could hinder collective responses to violence in the region.
**Host:** With the rising conflict and the attacks on peacekeepers, what actions do you think the Italian government should pursue?
**Dr. Russo:** Italy must prioritize the safety of its troops and ensure that these attacks do not undermine UN missions. Defense Minister Crosetto’s outreach for communication with Israeli officials is essential. Italy needs to advocate for adherence to international law and push for accountability from both state and non-state actors involved. Dialogue and cooperation between conflicting parties are critical to de-escalating tensions.
**Host:** Lastly, what role do you see for the EU amidst all of this?
**Dr. Russo:** The EU has the opportunity to act as a mediator. It can strengthen its role in peacekeeping efforts and reinforce its commitment to international law by supporting Unifil and advocating for the protection of peacekeepers. Moreover, the EU could work towards creating a coordinated response that addresses both humanitarian and security concerns while actively seeking to influence all parties involved to halt hostilities.
**Host:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Russo. This situation is indeed complex and requires careful navigation.
**Dr. Russo:** Thank you for having me. Let’s hope for a resolution that prioritizes peace and the safety of all involved.
