Israel Blames Hezbollah for Death of Indonesian Soldier Serving with UNIFIL

New York: Israel's Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), Danny Danon, accused Hezbollah of being responsible for the deaths of three Indonesian Military (TNI) soldiers serving with UNIFIL in Lebanon.

Danon, who attended an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in New York on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, acknowledged the risks they face daily in carrying out their mandate.

"Regarding the attack that occurred yesterday, March 30, we can confirm today that UNIFIL troops were hit by a Hezbollah explosive device in an incident near Bani Hayan," Danon stated at the emergency meeting, as reported by UN Web TV.

"Furthermore, the shelling of a UNIFIL position near Adshid al-Qasr on March 29, in which a UNIFIL peacekeeper was tragically killed, was carried out by Hezbollah," Danon alleged.

Danon claimed that Israeli forces (IDF) did not fire near the position.

"The situation is complex. It's changing rapidly and dangerously. But one thing is very clear. This didn't just happen. Israel didn't choose this conflict," the Israeli ambassador quipped.

Danon stated that Hezbollah has carried out coordinated attacks on Israeli civilians, acting in concert with Iran. More than 5,000 rockets, missiles, and drones have been fired at Israelis.

"Many of these attacks were launched from areas south of the Litani River. You know the consequences. People have to hide, go to shelters," Danon explained.

The same communities that had to flee for more than 18 months are doing so again. He said this is a violation of Resolutions 1701 and 1559.

He then continued tweeting, accusing Hezbollah of being deeply entrenched throughout southern Lebanon. They are said to operate from villages. They launch attacks from civilian areas. They position themselves close to UNIFIL forces.

According to Danon, this is no coincidence; it's a deliberate strategy. They choose where to place their missile launchers.

Danon further assessed that Hezbollah placed UNIFIL in the line of fire.

Israel is the root of the problem

Indonesia's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Umar Hadi, firmly stated that the attacks stemmed from Israel's military actions in Lebanon.

"Who is responsible for the creation and continuation of this active hostilities zone? The current escalation did not emerge out of nowhere. It stems from repeated attacks by the Israeli military on Lebanese territory," said Ambassador Umar Hadi, who also attended the UN Security Council emergency meeting on the situation in the Middle East.

"Indonesia strongly condemns Israel's attacks in southern Lebanon, which constitute a serious violation of Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity," said Ambassador Umar Hadi.

Ambassador Umar added that Indonesia continues to stand in solidarity with the Lebanese government and people. As hostilities escalate in southern Lebanon, attacks on UNIFIL peacekeepers have also increased in recent weeks.