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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How might the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrants for Israeli officials influence regional dynamics and peace negotiations?
**Interview with Middle East Analyst, Dr. Sarah Al-Mansoori**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Al-Mansoori. Let’s start with the recent attack on the Unifil base in Lebanon that resulted in injuries to Italian soldiers. How significant is this incident in the context of the ongoing tensions in the region?
**Dr. Al-Mansoori:** Thank you for having me. The attack on the Unifil base is indeed significant as it underscores the fragility of the security situation in Lebanon and its implications for international peacekeeping efforts. The fact that this attack targeted Italian peacekeepers highlights the risks that such missions face in conflict zones, especially amid rising tensions between various factions, including Hezbollah.
**Interviewer:** The Italian government has expressed outrage over this incident, calling it intolerable. What impact do you think this could have on Italy’s role in the region?
**Dr. Al-Mansoori:** Italy’s role in Lebanon has traditionally been one of stabilizing support through the Unifil mission. However, if attacks like this continue, it could lead to increased calls within Italy to reconsider their military presence there. The government’s response will be crucial in maintaining their commitment to peacekeeping while ensuring the safety of their troops.
**Interviewer:** In a broader sense, there is also the recent announcement from the International Criminal Court regarding arrest warrants for Israeli officials accused of war crimes. How does that affect the dynamics in the region?
**Dr. Al-Mansoori:** The ICC’s actions certainly complicate the already fraught dynamics in the region. It could galvanize support for Israel from allies like the United States, as evidenced by President Biden’s strong condemnation of the warrants. However, it may also embolden Palestinian and anti-Israel factions who view the ICC’s actions as validation of their narrative regarding Israeli military operations, potentially escalating tensions.
**Interviewer:** The diverging opinions among Western leaders about the ICC’s warrants indicate a rift in how Israel’s actions are perceived. What does this imply for diplomatic relations?
**Dr. Al-Mansoori:** The division among Western nations about the ICC warrants could lead to increased diplomatic tensions, particularly between nations prioritizing human rights advocacy and those firmly aligned with Israel. It also could complicate future negotiations regarding peace initiatives, as countries may find it challenging to present a unified front.
**Interviewer:** given the recent events, what do you think the future holds for peace efforts in the region?
**Dr. Al-Mansoori:** The path to peace remains precarious. Continued violence, like the attack on the Unifil base and the division over ICC actions, could derail any ongoing negotiations. For peace efforts to advance, all parties must engage in serious dialog and uphold international laws governing conflict. Both external pressures and internal stabilizing efforts are essential in fostering a climate conducive to lasting peace.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Al-Mansoori, for your insights. It’s certainly a complex and evolving situation that requires close monitoring.
**Dr. Al-Mansoori:** Thank you for having me.
