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 factors contribute to the effectiveness of dialog between Italy and Israel in the context of rising tensions surrounding the Unifil base attack in Lebanon?
**Interview with Dr. Elena Rossi, International Relations Expert**
**Host:** Welcome to our show, Dr. Rossi. Today, we are discussing a series of troubling developments concerning the UN peacekeeping forces in Lebanon and the recent actions taken by the International Criminal Court. What are your thoughts on the attack on the Unifil base and the subsequent reaction from international leaders?
**Dr. Rossi:** Thank you for having me. The attack on the Unifil base in southern Lebanon is deeply concerning. It not only endangers the lives of peacekeepers but also represents a serious violation of international law. As you mentioned, four Italian soldiers were injured, and there has been widespread condemnation from the Italian government and the EU. The insistence from officials like EU High Representative Josep Borrell emphasizes the critical nature of protecting humanitarian missions in conflict zones.
**Host:** The Italian Defense Minister has labeled the attacks as “intolerable” and called for a dialog with Israel’s new Defense Minister. Do you think this dialog can lead to effective solutions given the current tensions?
**Dr. Rossi:** I believe dialog is essential, but it must be coupled with accountability. The Italian government is right to demand cooperation to ensure the safety of their troops. However, whether such conversations will yield results depends on the willingness of all parties, including Hezbollah and Israel, to engage constructively rather than resorting to aggression. The dynamics of the region are complex, and establishing a lasting peace will take time and patience.
**Host:** On a broader scale, the ICC’s arrest warrants against Israeli leaders have also sparked significant controversy, especially with the U.S. President calling it “scandalous.” How does this divide affect international responses to the ongoing conflict?
**Dr. Rossi:** The divide is indicative of how polarized the international community can be regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. President Biden’s strong defense of Israel reflects the longstanding U.S.-Israel alliance, but it also complicates broader diplomatic efforts for peace. It’s critical for the West to find a unified stance on matters of war crimes and accountability to facilitate a balanced approach to peace negotiations. The ICC’s decisions may also affect other nations’ willingness to cooperate with international legal frameworks in conflict situations.
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Rossi, for your insights. This situation remains fluid, and we’ll be following it closely as it develops.
**Dr. Rossi:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we continue to advocate for peace and uphold international law during these tumultuous times.
