Outrage over yet another episode against the peacekeepers in Lebanon. Four Italian soldiers from the Unifil mission were injured following the launch of two 122 mm rockets fired at the UNP 2-3 base in Shama, in southern Lebanon, which hosts the Italian contingent and the Western Sector Command of Unifil. The military would not be serious. According to the initial reconstruction of the Ministry of Defense, the two rockets hit a bunker on the base and a room near the international military police, causing damage to the surrounding infrastructure. Some glass shattered due to the explosion, hitting the four soldiers. The two rockets could belong to Hezbollah, as reported by Rainews 24.
“I learn with deep indignation and concern the news of the new attacks suffered by the Italian headquarters of Unifil in southern Lebanon, which also caused the wounding of some of our soldiers engaged in a peacekeeping mission”, states the president of I recommend Giorgia Meloni. “I would like to express my and the Government’s solidarity and closeness to the wounded, their families and sincere gratitude for the activity carried out daily by the entire Italian contingent in Lebanon. I reiterate once again”, continues Meloni, “that such attacks are unacceptable and I renew my appeal for the parties on the ground to guarantee, at all times, the safety of Unifil soldiers and to collaborate to quickly identify those responsible”.
“I immediately contacted the Commander of the Contingent, Brigadier General Stefano Messina – says the Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto – to make sure of the conditions of the four soldiers, who do not cause concern. I also contacted my Lebanese counterpart reiterating that the Italian contingent of Unifil remains in southern Lebanon to offer a window of opportunity for peace and cannot become hostage to militia attacks. It is intolerable that once again a Unifil base has been established hit.” “I will try to speak to the new Israeli Defense Minister – he adds – which has been impossible since his inauguration until today, to ask him to avoid using the Unifil bases as a shield. Even more intolerable is the presence of terrorists in Southern Lebanon which jeopardize the safety of the peacekeepers and the civilian population” declared the minister.
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“In wishing a speedy recovery to the four Italian soldiers who were injured, I would also like to express my total disappointment and my firm condemnation for yet another serious and unacceptable missile launch against the UNIFIL headquarters in southern Lebanon. Finally, our gratitude goes to all our women and men in uniform, engaged under the aegis of the UN in a very delicate area of the Middle East”, commented Ignazio La Russa, president of the Senate of the Republic.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told Sky Tg 24 about the soldiers involved: “It seems that none of these have serious injuries. They are bruises, only one lieutenant seems to have light wounds, they do not appear to be serious injuries. None of them They are in danger, their injuries are not serious. Fortunately, things happened in the right direction even if what happened is unacceptable and intolerable.”
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How can Italy balance military readiness and diplomatic efforts to enhance the safety of its troops in Lebanon following the attack?
**Interview with Military Analyst Dr. Laura Giordano on Recent Attacks on Italian Unifil Base in Lebanon**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Giordano. The recent attack on the Italian Unifil base in Lebanon, where four soldiers were injured by rocket fire, has raised urgent concerns. What are your thoughts on the implications of this attack for Italian forces in the region?
**Dr. Giordano:** Thank you for having me. This incident underscores the precarious security situation in southern Lebanon. The fact that these rockets are believed to belong to Hezbollah indicates a persistent threat to peacekeepers. Such hostilities not only put the safety of our soldiers at risk but also complicate the mission of maintaining stability in the region.
**Interviewer:** President Giorgia Meloni has expressed deep concern and called for accountability regarding these attacks. How effective do you think diplomatic appeals will be in addressing the threat against Unifil?
**Dr. Giordano:** Diplomatic appeals are crucial, especially in terms of holding groups accountable for their actions. However, the effectiveness of these appeals largely depends on the cooperation of various factions on the ground. As long as there are militant groups like Hezbollah operating with relative impunity, the security of the Italian contingent—and indeed Unifil as a whole—remains tenuous. A multifaceted approach combining diplomacy and a robust security strategy is essential.
**Interviewer:** Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto mentioned the need for UNIFIL to not be used as a shield by any military factions. How can international forces ensure their bases are not targeted in this way?
**Dr. Giordano:** Ensuring that UNIFIL bases are not used as shields by armed groups requires clear engagement protocols and stronger intelligence-sharing among international forces. Furthermore, the UN’s mandate must be reiterated, emphasizing the protection of peacekeepers and civilians alike. Strategic communication with local communities is also necessary to diminish the perception of bases as operational targets.
**Interviewer:** Given the context, what measures do you think Italy should take moving forward in response to this incident?
**Dr. Giordano:** Italy should pursue a two-pronged strategy: Firstly, reinforce its military presence and readiness in the region to deter further attacks. This may include increased surveillance and rapid response capabilities. Secondly, engaging more deeply in diplomatic efforts with Lebanon, Israel, and regional stakeholders is vital. Italy has a history of facilitating dialogues and should leverage that experience to promote a peaceful environment for all parties involved.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Giordano, for your insights on this critical situation affecting our forces abroad. We appreciate your expertise.
**Dr. Giordano:** Thank you for having me. It’s essential that we continue to monitor these developments closely, and I hope for a swift resolution to ensure the safety of our troops.
