Tenenti: "UNIFIL is on the Ground to Deescalate the Situation"

Andria Tenenti, the official spokesperson for UNIFIL, explained in an interview with the National News Agency about last week's violations of the Blue Line and UNIFIL's role in addressing them. He stated, "The presence of UNIFIL and its role in deescalating tension along the Blue Line has helped maintain 17 years of unprecedented security and stability." He added, "We have seen clear examples of this last week, where a new dirt road established by the Israeli army crossing the Blue Line near Bastra was removed, and yesterday a building constructed by Lebanese individuals south of the Blue Line near Aita Shaab was also removed. Both violations were promptly addressed through effective coordination by UNIFIL." He continued, "In both incidents, despite their disagreements, the parties acknowledged the problem and worked through UNIFIL to resolve it. This demonstrates Lebanon and Israel's respect for the sanctity of the Blue Line, their desire to avoid escalation, and their readiness to work with UNIFIL to tackle difficult issues." He concluded, "Through the liaison and coordination mechanisms we undertake, and the efforts of peacekeepers in monitoring on the ground and reporting, UNIFIL continues to work on creating a space for a lasting political and diplomatic solution."