LONDON: The UN Interim Force in Lebanon on Saturday accused the Israeli army of deliberately destroying its property and critical infrastructure in southern Lebanon, leading to a serious escalation in tensions along the border.

In a statement on Saturday, UNIFIL said: “This morning, peacekeepers witnessed an Israeli army bulldozer destroying a blue barrel marking the withdrawal line between Lebanon and Israel in Al-Labbouneh, as well as a watchtower belonging to the Lebanese Armed Forces adjacent to a UNIFIL site in the area.”

The blue barrels, which are markers for the withdrawal line — commonly referred to as the Blue Line — delineate the boundary established after Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon in 2000.

UNIFIL condemned the actions, describing them as a “deliberate and direct destruction” of its property and infrastructure clearly identifiable as belonging to the Lebanese Armed Forces. The statement further characterized the incident as “a blatant violation of (UN Security Council) Resolution 1701 and international law.”

Resolution 1701, adopted in 2006 to end hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah during the Second Lebanon War, calls for respect for Lebanon’s territorial integrity and the cessation of all aggressive actions in the area.

UNIFIL further urged all parties to exercise restraint and avoid any actions that could jeopardize the fragile ceasefire.

“We urge all parties to refrain from any actions, including the destruction of property and civilian infrastructure, that could jeopardize the cessation of hostilities,” the statement added.

The incident comes as tensions increase along the Lebanon-Israel border, with several exchanges of fire reported in recent weeks.

There has been no immediate comment from the Israeli military regarding the accusations.