UNIFIL reports surge in Israeli strikes and incursions in South Lebanon
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has reported a significant escalation in Israeli military activity in southern Lebanon. Between Friday, August 7, and Sunday, August 9, 2026, UNIFIL recorded approximately 455 projectiles fired into Lebanese territory, including a single-day peak of 229 projectiles on Saturday.
In addition to the shelling, UNIFIL reported 97 airspace violations involving drones, helicopters, and fighter jets. Peacekeepers also observed Israeli naval vessels moving through Lebanese waters and documented instances where Israeli Merkava tanks fired rounds near UN positions.
These actions are cited as violations of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, the framework intended to maintain stability in the region. UNIFIL personnel have also been discovering unexploded ordnances, improvised explosive devices, and unguarded weapons, including a loaded 107mm rocket launcher, during patrols in the area.