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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**Interview with Dr. Elena Rossi, International Relations Expert**
**Host:** Welcome, Dr. Rossi. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent developments surrounding the Unifil base in Lebanon and the ICC’s actions regarding Israeli leadership.
**Dr. Rossi:** Thank you for having me. There is much to unpack in this situation.
**Host:** First, can you provide your thoughts on the attack on the Unifil base, which injured four Italian soldiers?
**Dr. Rossi:** Absolutely. This attack is not only a direct assault on peacekeepers but also a blatant violation of international law, as highlighted by UN Security Council Resolution 1701. Such attacks undermine efforts for peace and stability in the region. The Italian contingent is serving a vital role in promoting peace, and this aggression must be met with international condemnation.
**Host:** The Italian government has reacted strongly, labeling the attacks as “unacceptable.” What is the significance of this response?
**Dr. Rossi:** The Italian government’s response reflects a broader message that peacekeeping missions should not be targets. Defense Minister Crosetto’s call for dialog with Israeli officials indicates a willingness to address security concerns while advocating for the safety of Unifil soldiers. It emphasizes the importance of cooperation among all parties involved.
**Host:** The recent arrest warrants issued against Israeli leaders by the ICC add another layer of complexity. What is your perspective on this development?
**Dr. Rossi:** The arrest warrants signify a serious moment in international law, particularly concerning accountability for actions taken during conflicts. However, as President Biden articulated, there is a significant division within the West regarding this move. The concern is that it may fan the flames of division rather than foster dialog. The situation is delicate, and the international community must tread carefully to avoid exacerbating tensions.
**Host:** How might this impact the ground situation in Lebanon and Israel?
**Dr. Rossi:** Tensions are high on the ground, and these developments might cause either increased militancy or push factions towards negotiation. It’s vital for all actors to remember the human costs involved and to seek pathways to peace rather than further conflict. Dialogue must replace aggression if there’s any hope for stability.
**Host:** what can the international community do in response to these events?
**Dr. Rossi:** The international community should reinforce calls for the protection of peacekeepers and support mechanisms that foster dialog. It’s crucial to apply diplomatic pressure and ensure that humanitarian considerations are at the forefront of any military strategy. Collaboration and direct dialog among conflicting parties should be prioritized to safeguard civilians and peacekeepers alike.
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Rossi, for sharing your insights on this complicated situation.
**Dr. Rossi:** Thank you for discussing these critical issues.
