Indonesia lays to rest peacekeepers killed in Lebanon, Prabowo condemns attacks

Indonesia received the bodies of three UN peacekeepers killed in southern Lebanon during Israel's invasion of the country. The soldiers, part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), died in separate incidents involving explosions, with one reportedly caused by Israeli tank fire. A ceremony was held in Indonesia attended by President Prabowo Subianto before the bodies were released to their families. Foreign Minister Sugiono stated that Indonesia seeks a thorough UN investigation into the deaths to ensure security guarantees for peacekeeping soldiers. UNIFIL also reported that three additional peacekeepers were wounded in a separate blast near Adeisse. The Indonesian government has promised financial support to the families of the deceased.

An Indonesian peacekeeper with the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was killed on Sunday when a projectile exploded near Adchit al-Qusayr in southern Lebanon. Another peacekeeper was critically injured, and three other Indonesian peacekeepers sustained injuries from indirect artillery fire. UNIFIL has launched an investigation to determine the origin of the projectile, which struck one of its positions. The area is the site of ongoing clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters. UNIFIL, which monitors hostilities along the demarcation line with Israel, has been caught in the crossfire between the two groups in recent years.

Two Indonesian UN peacekeepers were killed in southern Lebanon on Monday when an explosion of unknown origin destroyed their vehicle, according to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). A third peacekeeper was severely injured, and a fourth was also hurt. This incident follows the death of another Indonesian peacekeeper on Sunday night from a projectile explosion in the same region. UNIFIL has launched investigations into both incidents, which occurred amidst heightened tensions and increased military actions between Israel and Hezbollah. UNIFIL, established in 1978 to serve as a buffer between Israel and Lebanon, patrols the "Blue Line" border. The organization condemned the attacks and emphasized the obligation of all actors to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel.

The deaths of three Indonesian peacekeepers in southern Lebanon have prompted calls for Indonesia to reassess its Middle East policy. Analysts and lawmakers are questioning the risks of overseas deployments in the region and the limits of diplomatic protection amid escalating conflict. The incidents, which also injured five other peacekeepers, have led to pressure on Indonesia to intensify diplomatic efforts and seek accountability from Israel. There are also calls to evaluate Indonesia's membership in the Board of Peace, which includes Israel, and its plan to send troops to Gaza as part of a US-led stabilization force. Indonesia's Foreign Ministry condemned the attacks on the UNIFIL, citing a deteriorating security environment due to Israeli military operations.

Amidst the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran, a Hezbollah attack on Sunday killed at least one person in northern Israel, marking the first such death from Lebanese fire since the conflict began. Hezbollah claimed responsibility, stating they targeted Israeli soldiers in Misgav Am with rockets. This attack occurred as Israel increased its troop presence in southern Lebanon, where the conflict has resulted in over 1,000 deaths and displaced a million people. In response, the Israeli Defence Minister ordered the military to expedite the demolition of Lebanese homes and bridges in southern Lebanon, citing the need to eliminate threats to Israel. The escalating conflict was triggered by a Hezbollah cross-border attack on March 2, following the start of the US-Israel war on Iran.

On Sunday, an Israeli civilian was killed near the Lebanese border, with initial reports indicating a rocket from Lebanon was the cause. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for an attack on Israeli soldiers in the same area. However, the Israeli military is investigating the possibility that the fatal fire originated from its own forces. In response, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz ordered the destruction of bridges over Lebanon's Litani River, alleging their use by Hezbollah, and an increase in the demolition of houses. The investigation is ongoing to determine the precise cause of the civilian's death.

Israeli forces struck the Qasmiyeh bridge in southern Lebanon on Sunday, a key route connecting the south to central Lebanon. This action follows a statement by Israel's defense minister that Israeli forces were instructed to destroy crossings over the Litani river used by Hezbollah for reinforcements. The strikes have raised concerns among Lebanese citizens that Israel intends to isolate southern Lebanon, potentially hindering the return of displaced families. The ongoing conflict has already displaced over a million people, raising fears of a humanitarian crisis. The BBC is reporting on the situation from Lebanon.

In March 2026, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel is "breaking boundaries in every sense of the word" and working to expand its buffer zone from Lebanon. This announcement follows intensified Israeli attacks on Lebanon that began earlier in March. The attacks were initiated after Hezbollah launched rockets towards Israeli territory. These actions occurred in the context of the US-Israel war on Iran. The expansion of the buffer zone aims to create a larger security perimeter for Israel along its northern border with Lebanon.