The Italian Government has reacted with firmness after the incident occurred in Lebanon, in which an Italian military vehicle of the UN peacekeeping mission (FINUL) has been damaged by shots coming from the Israel Defense Forces. Italy has summoned the Israeli ambassador in Rome, Jonathan Peled, to demand explanations, emphasizing that “Italian military personnel are not to be touched,” according to has announced the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani.
Shots at a peace mission
The incident has occurred while a UN column was transporting personnel towards Beirut for their repatriation and has been blocked and intercepted by Israeli forces. According to Tajani, the shots, described as “warning shots” by Israel, have damaged one of the vehicles of the Italian mission, although no injuries have been reported.
The minister has expressed his condemnation from his account on X, highlighting the importance of guaranteeing the safety of international personnel deployed in conflict zones.
“I have just given instructions for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to convene the ambassador of Israel in Italy in order to clarify what happened today in Lebanon. Italian soldiers are not to be touched”.
I have just given instructions to summon the Israeli ambassador to Italy to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to clarify what happened today in Lebanon. Italian soldiers are not to be touched. pic.twitter.com/x6FPCfwBDB
— Antonio Tajani (@Antonio_Tajani) April 8, 2026
The summoning of the diplomat underlines the determination of Italy to protect its contingent in international missions and of having demanded respect for the UN's rules of engagement, at a time of growing tension in the region.