Argentina withdraws from UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon amid tensions

The 10,000-strong UNIFIL force is stationed in southern Lebanon to monitor the demarcation line with Israel, an area that has seen ongoing hostilities between Israeli forces and Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran. "Argentina has instructed its officers to return to their home country," said UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti in response to inquiries about a newspaper report on the matter.

Tenenti did not elaborate on the reasons for Argentina’s withdrawal, deferring the question to the Argentine government. Argentina is one of the 48 nations contributing peacekeepers to UNIFIL, and it currently has three personnel stationed in Lebanon, according to the UN's official website. The Argentine government has not yet commented on the matter.

UNIFIL has faced growing pressure in recent months, citing "unacceptable pressures being exerted on the mission from various sources." Despite more than 20 peacekeepers being injured in the past two months and significant damage to mission facilities, the peacekeepers have remained at their posts. The mission attributes the attacks to the Israeli military, although Israel denies targeting UN personnel, arguing instead that U.N. forces provide a shield for Hezbollah fighters. Israel has also urged UNIFIL to evacuate from southern Lebanon for their own safety, a request that has been firmly rejected by the peacekeeping force.

Tenenti noted that, despite Argentina’s withdrawal, there are no broader signs of diminishing support for the mission. "The aim is to remain in place. There is no ongoing discussion of a full withdrawal," he said.

However, UNIFIL’s operations have been significantly hindered due to the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah conflict, with some of its facilities needing repairs due to Hezbollah rocket landing on the UNFIL base. "We are still in the process of rebuilding certain positions, but it’s been a challenging time,"