Middle East

Lebanon, Israeli tank rams Unifil vehicle. Tomorrow Tajani visits

Italy's Foreign Minister will meet with the Lebanese authorities to strengthen military and humanitarian cooperation, promoting a ceasefire and regional stability

12 April 2026

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Translated by AI

Versione italiana

3' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

2,055 people have died in Lebanon since the resumption of hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel. This was announced by the Ministry of Health in Beirut. The victims include 252 women, 165 children and 87 health workers. A further 6,588 people were injured. Furthermore, Unifil denounces yet another episode of Israeli aggression, with vehicles being rammed by an IDF tank

The dramatic balance emerges on the eve of the visit of Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, who will be in Beirut tomorrow for a series of institutional meetings with the President of the Lebanese Republic, Joseph Aoun, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, Youssef Rajji.

During his visit," the Farnesina explains, "the minister will also meet the Italian contingent engaged in the country as part of the Italian Bilateral Military Mission in Lebanon (Mibil) and the Military Technical Committee for Lebanon (MTC4L). It will also have a videoconference link with the Italia contingent deployed at the Unifil base in Shamaa, a symbol of Italy's ongoing commitment to supporting peace and stability in the Middle East. The mission is part of the profound regional instability and is intended to reaffirm Italia's full support for stability and security in Lebanon.

Tajani's trip to Lebanon

During the talks with President Aoun and Minister Rajji, Tajani will first of all emphasise the willingness to promote a direct dialogue between Lebanon and Israel to build lasting peace in the region.

Libano, a Beirut i riti pasquali nella capitale colpita dai raid israeliani

Italy's commitment in the security and defence sector was also at the centre of the visit. Italy participates in the main international initiatives in support of Lebanon, starting with the Unifil mission, and is also committed on a bilateral basis through the Mibil mission, to which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has allocated around 10 million euros over the last three years to strengthen the logistical and infrastructural capabilities of the Lebanese Armed Forces.

Libano, il confine che brucia

Italia also chairs the Military Technical Committee for Lebanon (MTC4L), a strategic coordination tool with the Lebanese authorities in the defence sector. During the meetings, Italy's contribution in response to the humanitarian crisis in the country will be addressed, including through a 10 million euro emergency aid package and the organisation of a humanitarian flight with over 40 tonnes of basic necessities. Tajani will also emphasise the will to reach a truce in the conflict between the United States and Iran and to guarantee freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, also in order to put an end to the uncertainty in the energy and supply sector. Finally, the holder of the Farnesina will meet with the staff of the Italian Embassy in Beirut, to express the government's appreciation for the work done in the current regional context.

Unifil, Israeli tank rammed our vehicles

"On two occasions today, Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) soldiers rammed Unifil vehicles with a Merkava tank, causing significant damage in one case." The UN mission itself writes this in a post on X. "The soldiers," it is explained, "had blocked a road in Bayada used to reach Unifil positions. Over the past few days, Israeli soldiers have repeatedly blocked the movements of the blue helmets on this road, in addition to the restrictions on freedom of movement recorded in other areas," Unifil further states. "Since the beginning of April, Israeli soldiers have also destroyed force protection cameras at the Unifil headquarters in Naqoura and five other positions along the Blue Line, from Ras Naqoura to Maroun ar Ras. Yesterday, they also spray-painted the windows of the pedestrian access gate of the headquarters, preventing visibility of the outer perimeter," the Blue Helmets further report.

"These actions are incompatible with Israel's obligations under Resolution 1701 and the requirement to ensure the safety of peacekeepers, as well as their freedom of movement at all times. They hinder the ability of peacekeepers to report violations committed by both sides on the ground," Unifil further says. "The peacekeepers will remain on the ground and continue to report violations we observe in an impartial manner to the Security Council."