Germany condemns firing on UNIFIL posts in Lebanon

The German government on Monday expressed criticism of fire directed at UN peacekeeping troops in southern Lebanon and called on Israel to explain how it had happened.

"All parties to the conflict, including the Israeli army, are obliged to direct their combat activities exclusively at the military targets of the other party to the conflict," a Foreign Office spokesman said in Berlin.

Germany was urgently awaiting a full explanation and was in contact with the Israeli side on the issue, he said.

The spokesman said that the situation in southern Lebanon was being monitored with growing concern. Five troops of the UNIFIL peacekeeping mission had been injured thus far and considerable damage caused to UNIFIL positions.

"Firing on UN peacekeeping troops and forcing entry to their bases is completely unacceptable," he said. The highest priority should be given to the protection and safety of UN troops, the spokesman said.

Israel accuses the Hezbollah militia of using areas near UNIFIL bases for their own purposes.

UNIFIL has monitored the border region between Israel and Lebanon since 1978. More than 10,000 troops from more than 50 countries including Germany have been deployed to the mission.

Free Democrats support weapons deliveries for Israel

Separately on Monday, the general secretary of Germany's Free Democratic Party (FDP) said Germany should "treat Israel like a NATO partner" in terms of arms exports.

Bijan Djir-Sarai said his party - a member of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition government - would "continue to stand clearly by Israel's side."

Speaking in Berlin, Djir-Sarai further condemned Iran and its allies Hezbollah and Hamas.

"Weakening these actors will not lead to the destabilization of the Middle East, but quite the opposite," he argued.

The FDP politician also called on Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and Economy Minister Robert Habeck - both from the Greens - to take a clear position on arms deliveries for Israel.