Israeli Attacks Rise, Ministry Of Foreign Affairs Ensures Indonesian Contingents At Lebanese Headquarters Are Safe

DOCUMENTATION/TNI soldiers who are members of the Garuda XXIII-E/UNIFIL or Indonesia Battalion (Indrugt) Task Force in Adshit Al Qusayr, South Lebanon (ANTARA/HO-Puspen TNI-Sertu Marines Kuwadi)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that no attacks were directed at the Indonesian Contingent Headquarters for UNIFIL in southern Lebanon.

The statement was made by the Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Lalu Muhamad Iqbal in response to an increase in the intensity of mutual attacks between Israel and the Hezbollah group along the Lebanese-Israeli border.

"All members of the Indonesian contingent are in a safe condition," said Iqbal as quoted by ANTARA, Thursday, October 26.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that 1,200 members of the Indonesian contingent served in UNIFIL - the UN Temporary Troops in Lebanon. Their territorial duties in southern Lebanon, namely along the Lebanese-Israeli land and sea borders.

Iqbal memastikan Kontingen Indonesia sudah memiliki rencana cadangan jika kondisi keamanan semakin memburuk.

Earlier, Israeli President Isaac Herzog warned that Lebanon would suffer the consequences if the militant group that controls the south of the country, Hezbollah, joined forces in attacking its territory just like the Palestinian Hamas group.

Herzog made this statement when Hezbollah launched airstrikes on Israeli territory that triggered attacks between the two, when the Zionist nation was still at war with Hamas.

According to Herzog, Lebanon cannot feel innocent and pretends not to know if Hezbollah continues to carry out attacks on Israel. He accused Hezbollah of playing fires with Israel since the Israeli and Hamas war broke out.

Israel and Hamas have been at war since October 7, 2023. Shortly after, Hezbollah joined forces in attacking Israeli territory. Israeli forces also retaliated against the group. Until now, border conflicts in southern Lebanon and Israel are also heating up.

"We don't want confrontations on our northern border or with anyone," Herzog said. On the other hand, the Lebanese government claims it doesn't want to go to war with Israel. However, threats from Israel by attacking Hezbollah's posts continue.