Asarta Urges Lebanon, Israel to ‘Act with Restraint’
The UNIFIL confirmed on Tuesday the firing of at least one rocket into northern Israel, saying that it is investigating the “facts” and “circumstances” of the incident.
Commander Major-General Alberto Asarta maintained close contact with the Lebanese and Israeli parties after the incident, said a statement issued by the peacekeeping force.
“There is a need to act with restraint and the parties have reassured me of their continued commitment to maintain the cessation of hostilities in accordance with (United Nations Security Council) resolution 1701,” Asarta said.
He called for maximum restraint in order to prevent any escalation of the situation, said the statement.
“This is a serious incident in violation of U.N. Security Council resolution 1701 and is clearly directed at undermining stability in the area,” Asarta stated.
He said: “It is imperative to identify and apprehend the perpetrators of this attack and we will spare no efforts to this end working in cooperation with the Lebanese Armed Forces.”
Asarta noted that additional troops have been deployed on the ground and patrols have been intensified across our area of operations to prevent any further incidents.
“No casualties have been reported from either side. There has been no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack,” the statement added.
According to Voice of Lebanon radio (100.5), Asarta held a meeting with UNIFIL’s officials at the mission’s headquarters in Naqoura to tackle the dramatic developments on the border.
The Lebanese army issued a statement on Tuesday confirming that one rocket was fired from southern Lebanon toward Israel, adding it was still unclear who was behind the incident.
A spokesman told Agence France Presse that Israel had retaliated by firing four rockets.
However, the Israeli army said earlier that several rockets fired from southern Lebanon had landed in its territory and warned the Lebanese government against any further such attacks.
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