Tensions between Israel and the UN over peacekeeping in southern Lebanon have escalated, rooted in longstanding mistrust. Israeli PM Netanyahu called for UNIFIL’s withdrawal from “combat areas,” accusing it of failing to enforce UN Resolution 1701 and allowing Hezbollah to regroup. Israel claims UNIFIL ignored Hezbollah’s activities, including tunnel digging and missile embedding. UN Watch and Israeli media allege Hezbollah operates freely near UN bases. Netanyahu urged the UN to prevent Hezbollah from using peacekeepers as “human shields,” criticizing their continued presence.