In the details: UNIFIL-Israel tensions resurface after drone incident in Lebanon’s south

Report by Edmond Sassine, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian

The scene of tension between United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) forces — specifically the French contingent — and Israel has resurfaced, this time in the southern town of Mays al-Jabal.

A video circulating for the past two days shows a French UNIFIL soldier aiming a weapon at an Israeli drone flying over a joint French-Nepalese patrol in Mays al-Jabal.

The video and accompanying images appear to be authentic. Questions have since emerged about the weapon directed at the drone and how it operates.

The device visible in the footage is the Nerod RF, a system designed to counter unmanned aerial vehicles by jamming communication frequencies and control signals between drones and their operators. This interference can cause the drone to crash, return to its launch point, or make a forced landing.

The Israeli drone over Mays al-Jabal was not brought down. However, in late October, UNIFIL forces shot down an Israeli drone over Kfarkela after it flew aggressively above one of their patrols. According to available information, the French contingent was responsible for downing the drone.

That incident heightened tensions and prompted an exchange of statements and competing accounts. Following the Mays al-Jabal incident, tensions have become more pronounced, both on the ground and politically.

Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations commented on the Mays al-Jabal video by saying that UNIFIL’s mandate is expected to expire at the end of 2026 and that, in the remaining months, the force should focus on implementing U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 and dismantling Hezbollah’s weapons, rather than attempting to intercept Israeli drones.

French journalist and Middle East specialist Georges Malbrunot also weighed in, saying UNIFIL activated its defenses against two Israeli drones, neutralizing them during a mission, while the force continues to face repeated Israeli attacks.

The latest escalation follows an earlier incident in which UNIFIL forces came under gunfire during a mission in Kfarchouba, despite the Israeli army having been informed in advance of their activities in the area.

The rising tension in southern Lebanon has also coincided with strained relations between Israel and France, after Paris supported the two-state solution and recognized the State of Palestine. 

It also follows reports that Israel rejected attempts to involve France in civilian negotiations between Lebanon and Israel within the ceasefire monitoring committee.