Italy reacts to Israel's attack

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated to her Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu that Tel Aviv's attack on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) soldiers is "unacceptable."

In a written statement from the Prime Minister's office, it was noted that the two leaders held a phone call today, stating, "Prime Minister Meloni reiterated that the attack on UNIFIL by the Israeli armed forces is unacceptable and recalled that the mission acts in accordance with the mandate of the UN Security Council (UNSC) to contribute to regional stability. She emphasized the absolute necessity of ensuring the safety of UNIFIL personnel at all times."

The statement also noted that Prime Minister Meloni reiterated Italy's commitment to contributing to the stabilization of the Israel-Lebanon border through the full implementation of UNSC Resolution 1701, and to ensuring the return of displaced people to their homes.

The Prime Minister's office statement conveyed that during the call, Meloni underscored the urgency of working to de-escalate tensions on a regional basis and reiterated Italy's readiness to work in this direction as the G7 Presidency.

JOINT REACTION FROM ITALY

Following Israel's targeting of some UNIFIL bases and observation towers this week, Italy, which has about 1,000 soldiers in the mission, had reacted. Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto stated that he had summoned the Israeli Ambassador to Rome to the ministry on the same day and issued a stern warning regarding the events in Southern Lebanon.

News Source: AA