27-10-2023 (JAKARTA) Amidst the escalating tensions between Israel and the Hezbollah group along the Lebanon-Israel border, Indonesia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry has reassured that there has been no attack on the base camp of the Indonesian contingent serving on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in southern Lebanon.
The statement was delivered by Lalu Muhamad Iqbal, the ministry’s spokesperson, in response to the recent hostilities in the region. He emphasized that all members of the Indonesian contingent are safe and accounted for, providing this assurance via text message on Thursday.
Indonesia’s contribution to UNIFIL consists of approximately 1,200 personnel deployed in southern Lebanon, including along the Lebanese-Israeli land and sea borders. In preparation for potential deteriorating security conditions, the Indonesian contingent has a contingency plan in place, as confirmed by Iqbal.
The current conflict between Israel and Hezbollah was further fueled by Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s warning that Lebanon would face consequences if Hezbollah, the militant group controlling the south of the country, were to attack Israeli territory, similar to the actions of the Palestinian Hamas group.
Herzog’s statement came in the wake of Hezbollah launching air attacks on Israeli territory, sparking a new round of hostilities while Israel was already engaged in a conflict with Hamas. Herzog accused Hezbollah of provoking Israel since the start of its conflict with Hamas.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas was reignited on October 7, 2023. Shortly thereafter, Hezbollah launched attacks on Israeli territories, prompting retaliatory measures by Israeli troops. The border conflict between southern Lebanon and Israel has consequently intensified.
President Herzog expressed Israel’s desire to avoid confrontation on its northern border with any party involved.
Conversely, the Lebanese government has stated its reluctance to engage in a war with Israel. Nevertheless, Israel has consistently maintained its threat to target Hezbollah camps in the region.
