Earlier this week, Malaysia proposed suspending Israel from the UN over its various wars in the middle east. Israel is currently facing considerable criticism from multiple countries about its continued murderous assaults on Gaza and southern Lebanon. In addition, since the start of its invasion of Lebanon, relations between Israel and UN peacekeepers have also been shaky.
Today, an Israeli drone strike on Sidon injured six Malaysian peacekeepers deployed with UNIFIL. Though there’s not specific evidence that the Malaysians were deliberately targeted over the country’s efforts at the UN General Assembly, some will inevitably arrive at that conclusion.
The attack targeted a checkpoint outside the city, killed three people in a car, and injured the six UNIFIL personnel being transported in a bus. Three Lebanese soldiers manning the checkpoint were also wounded. One of the Malaysian troops was taken to a hospital in Sidon, with the others suffering light injuries.
The international fallout will doubtless be greatest regarding the UNIFIL casualties. While Israel has repeatedly demanded UNIFIL leave Lebanon, the international community has repeatedly warned Israel against targeting the UNIFIL deployment, which has UN Security Council approval.
Israel has carried out multiple military operations against UNIFIL property in Lebanon earlier. This, however, is the first time multiple UNIFIL personnel were injured in a flagrant Israeli attack.
UNIFIL issued a statement following the incident reminding all actors of their obligation to avoid targeting peacekeepers in Lebanon. It also advised that differences should be resolved by negotiation, not military action.
That doesn’t seem to be the way Israel is headed, however. Army Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi has talked of plans to even further escalate the war in Lebanon. In Lebanon, 3,000 have already been killed, and, of course, it is only one of multiple wars in which Israel is currently engaged.
The Malaysian UNIFIL personnel just arrived in Lebanon yesterday, and were in the process of being deployed when the Israeli attack happened. Malaysian officials indicate that deployments will proceed as planned.
We can expect further recriminations from the UN against Israel in the hours and days to come. The US will likely defend Israel’s behavior, but the explanations being offered are getting thinner and thinner as these incidents continue. If, per Malaysia’s proposal, the UN General Assembly ultimately votes to suspend Israel for its actions, it seems certain a vast majority will support that vote.
