IDF Merkava tank rammed UNIFIL vehicles on two occasions on Sunday, UN force claims

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UNIFIL alleges that an IDF tank rammed its vehicles twice in southern Lebanon and fired warning shots nearby, raising concerns over safety and freedom of movement.

An IDF Merkava tank rammed vehicles belonging to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on two separate occasions on Sunday, the UN force claimed on X/Twitter.

In one of the instances, the tank caused "significant damage," according to UNIFIL.

"The soldiers had blocked a road in Bayada that is used to access UNIFIL positions," the force wrote.

Over the past week, the IDF has "fired 'warning shots' in the area, striking and damaging clearly identifiable UNIFIL vehicles. In one case, a 'warning shot' landed a meter away from a peacekeeper who had dismounted his vehicle," the force said.

"Israeli soldiers have continually blocked peacekeepers' movements on this road in recent days, in addition to denials of freedom of movement recorded in other areas," UNIFIL accused.

A UNIFIL peacekeeper patrols in southern Lebanon, February 23, 2026; illustrative. (credit: Silvia Casadei / Middle East Images / AFP via Getty Images)

"Since early April, Israeli soldiers have also destroyed force protection cameras in UNIFIL's Naqoura headquarters and five other positions on the Blue Line from Ras Naqoura to Maroun ar Ras. Yesterday [Saturday], they also spray-painted the windows of the headquarters' pedestrian access gate, denying visibility to the external perimeter," the force alleged.

Inconsistent with Israel's UNSC res. 1701 obligations, UNIFIL claims

These actions are "inconsistent with Israel's obligations under [UN Security Council] resolution 1701 and the requirement to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers, as well as their freedom of movement at all times," UNIFIL said.

The IDF has not commented on any of the instances UNIFIL raised.