Italy summons Israeli envoy over UNIFIL convoy shots

Italy summoned the Israeli ambassador on Wednesday, April 8, seeking clarification after warning shots were fired at an Italian logistics convoy operating under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mission, officials said. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said the warning shots damaged one of the convoy’s vehicles, while adding that no injuries were reported.

The incident took place as Israel carried out what was described as its heaviest strikes on Lebanon since the conflict with Hezbollah began last month. The escalation followed a U.S.-Iran ceasefire that Israel said did not apply to Lebanon, according to the account provided.

Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the episode, saying personnel operating under the U.N. flag should not be put at risk. She described the incident as a clear breach of U.N. Resolution 1701, and called for an immediate halt to Israeli attacks in Lebanon. Meloni cited numerous casualties and displaced people in explaining her appeal.

Italy’s Ministry of Defence provided additional details on the convoy’s movements. It said the logistics column was traveling from Shama to Beirut when it encountered warning shots about 2 km after leaving, leading the convoy to turn back and return to base.

Italy is one of the larger contributors to UNIFIL, with more than 750 soldiers deployed as of March 30, out of a mission total of about 7,500 peacekeepers. The convoy involved was operating within that U.N. framework, which is intended to support stability in southern Lebanon under the mandate associated with Resolution 1701.

The diplomatic step taken in Rome underscores how incidents involving U.N.-flagged personnel can quickly become state-to-state issues, particularly when they involve a major troop contributor. At the same time, the broader security backdrop in Lebanon remains tied to the conflict that began last month between Israel and Hezbollah, with Israel’s strikes described as the most intense since that fighting started.

Key uncertainties remain based on the information provided so far, including the circumstances that led to the warning shots and the specific clarification Italy is seeking from Israel. Officials have reported vehicle damage and the absence of injuries, while the Italian government has framed the episode in terms of U.N. obligations and the safety of peacekeepers.