Israeli Defense Forces soldiers rammed United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) vehicles with a Merkava tank on two occasions on Sunday in southern Lebanon, the mission reported.

The incidents took place in the Bayada area, where troops had blocked a road used to access UNIFIL positions. One vehicle suffered significant damage, though no peacekeepers were injured. UNIFIL stated that over the past few days, Israeli soldiers repeatedly blocked blue helmets' movements on that road and imposed restrictions elsewhere.

Since early April, Israeli forces destroyed surveillance cameras at UNIFIL headquarters in Naqoura and five other positions along the Blue Line from Ras Naqoura to Maroun ar Ras. On Saturday, soldiers spray-painted the windows of a pedestrian access gate at the Naqoura headquarters, obstructing visibility of the perimeter.

"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," UNIFIL said. "They hinder the ability of peacekeepers to report violations committed by both sides on the ground. The peacekeepers will remain on the ground and continue to report violations we observe impartially to the Security Council."

The Israeli military has not immediately commented on the ramming incidents.

The events occurred amid Israel's ground operations in southern Lebanon against Hezbollah positions. The conflict, known as the 2026 Lebanon war, erupted on March 2 after Hezbollah resumed rocket fire into northern Israel. Israel launched airstrikes across Lebanon and began ground incursions on March 16, deploying five divisions to establish a security zone up to the Litani River.

Lebanon's Health Ministry reports over 2,055 deaths since hostilities resumed, including 252 women, 165 children, and 87 health workers, with 6,588 injured. More than 1.2 million people, or 20% of Lebanon's population, have been displaced. Israel reports 13 soldiers killed and two civilians dead from Hezbollah attacks.

UNIFIL has faced multiple challenges during the war. On March 6, strikes hit a Ghanaian battalion headquarters in al-Qaouzah, injuring three peacekeepers. Three others—Indonesians and Ghanaians—were killed in explosions and clashes later in March. A preliminary UN probe attributed some deaths to Israeli and likely Hezbollah actions.

On April 9, Israeli forces fired warning shots at an Italian UNIFIL convoy traveling from Shama to Beirut, causing minor vehicle damage but no injuries. Italy's government condemned the episode, summoning the Israeli ambassador.

A U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Iran took effect on April 7, halting Hezbollah attacks, but Israel maintains it does not apply to Lebanon and continues operations to dismantle militant infrastructure.

Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani is scheduled to visit Beirut on Monday to meet Lebanese leaders and UNIFIL contingents, pushing for a ceasefire and enhanced cooperation.