Incident raises tensions between Israel, Hezbollah, and United Nations forces

Before dawn, two Israeli tanks burst through the gates of a United Nations peacekeeping base in southern Lebanon, according to the U.N. peacekeeping force. The tanks destroyed the main gate and entered the base, followed shortly by nearby shell explosions that released smoke, causing U.N. personnel stationed there to fall ill.

Israel’s military, however, offered a different explanation.

A spokesperson claimed the tanks were retreating under heavy fire from Hezbollah militants while evacuating wounded soldiers in what was described as a mass casualty situation.

Smoke was deployed to cover the retreat, and the spokesperson insisted the actions posed no threat to U.N. personnel.

The incident has heightened tensions in the already volatile region. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged the United Nations to withdraw its peacekeeping forces from areas controlled by Hezbollah, increasing concerns over the safety of international personnel and the stability of the region.

With conflicting accounts of the incident, the situation remains fluid, and further diplomatic and military developments are expected in the coming days.