UN peacekeepers in south Lebanon said Israeli drones dropped four grenades close to their personnel on Tuesday morning while they were clearing roadblocks to a UN position near Marwahin. The force reported no casualties but called it one of the most serious attacks on its personnel and assets since last November’s ceasefire, adding that the Israeli military had been informed in advance of the roadwork.

What UNIFIL Says Happened

UNIFIL said the grenades landed within 20 meters and roughly 100 meters of its personnel and vehicles, and drones were observed returning toward Israel afterward. “This is one of the most serious attacks on UNIFIL personnel and assets since the cessation of hostilities agreement of last November,” the mission stated, underlining its alarm at the close call. Out of concern for the safety of peacekeepers, the force suspended the roadwork.

Why It Matters Now

The near-miss comes days after the UN Security Council agreed that UNIFIL’s mandate would run to a final withdrawal by December 31, 2026—after nearly five decades in south Lebanon. The decision followed strong lobbying to wind down the mission, even as the border remains tense.

Reactions and Legal Context

UNIFIL reminded parties that attacks on peacekeepers or interference with their mission constitute serious violations of international law and stressed that the Israeli military is responsible for ensuring UN forces’ safety in south Lebanon. Separately, France criticized the drone strike near UN peacekeepers as the episode drew international concern.

Ceasefire, Disarmament Push, and Border Frictions

Under the November 2024 ceasefire, hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah subsided, but border incidents and airstrikes have persisted through 2025. Beirut has advanced a plan to disarm Hezbollah and other armed non-state groups in exchange for an Israeli pullback, a politically fraught process that has intensified debate over the future of the border and the state’s monopoly on force.