UN troops in Lebanon

European Union countries contributing to the UN peacekeeping force UNIFIL in Lebanon have reiterated their commitment to remain in the south of the country, despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's calls for their withdrawal. Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg confirmed that there was no discussion among EU foreign ministers regarding troop pullback, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the safety of peacekeepers. Meanwhile, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned Netanyahu's statements, asserting that the peacekeepers would not withdraw and criticized Israel's military actions that have injured several UNIFIL members. The UN Security Council also expressed concern over the attacks on UN positions, highlighting the need to respect the neutrality of peacekeepers. Israeli officials maintain they are not intentionally targeting UNIFIL, but tensions have risen amid ongoing clashes with Hezbollah. The situation remains volatile as the EU plans to discuss its future role and operational protocols for UNIFIL amidst these challenges.