Halevi, Italy's chief Gen. Portolano discuss Lebanon campaign, Hezbollah, UNIFIL
Italian troops make up a significant part of UNIFIL, providing the second-largest contingent with 1,068 soldiers, according to the UNIFIL website.
IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi spoke on the phone on Tuesday with his Italian counterpart, Gen. Luciano Portolano, about the IDF's Lebanon campaign, the IDF stated.
During the call, they reportedly discussed recent operations, security, and related challenges.
They additionally spoke about Hezbollah's exploitation of UNIFIL positions for its terrorist activities against Israel, the military noted.
Halevi also told Portolano that the IDF would continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the harm to UNIFIL forces in southern Lebanon and emphasized the importance of joint military efforts against terrorism in the region.
Italian troops make up a significant part of UNIFIL, providing the second-largest contingent with 1,068 soldiers, according to the UNIFIL website.
Previous connection to UNIFIL
Portolano was appointed Italian Chief of Staff on September 17. He previously held roles including coordinating the Italian military’s support during the COVID pandemic and overseeing the evacuation of Italian citizens from Afghanistan, the Italian Defense Ministry noted.
He additionally served as UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander of the United Nations peacekeeping force in Lebanon until July 2016.
His first trip after being appointed was to Lebanon on October 8, where he spoke with Lebanese government and military representatives.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has been pressuring the Israeli government to take extra care in Lebanon, in particular after the IDF fired on the vicinity of a UNIFIL post last week.
Meloni sharply criticized the IDF actions for endangering the lives of UN peacekeepers, calling the attitude "completely unjustified." She also attacked Hezbollah for militarizing the areas under UNIFIL jurisdiction.
Italian UNIFIL troops announced on Monday that they had attempted to disarm several incendiary devices planted on roads leading to their base.
An Italian bomb squad arrived and attempted to disarm the devices, but one device detonated, causing a fire in the surrounding area.
No injuries or damage to property was reported as a result of the incident.
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