Katyusha damage in northern town
Photo: Aviyahu Shapira
Security Council condemns Katyusha attack on Israel
United Nations Security Council issues statement condemning Sunday night's rocket attack on northern Israel from Lebanon, which were in severe violation of UN resolution 1701
WASHINGTON – The United Nations Security Council issued a statement condemning Sunday night's Katyusha rocket attacks on northern Israel from Lebanon, which were in severe violation of UN resolution 1701
The statement acknowledged the Lebanese government's condemnation of the attack, and expressed appreciation for its determination to bring those behind the attack to justice.
The council members reiterated their full support for the Lebanese army's efforts to ensure stability and security inside the state. They called on all sides to respect the Blue Line, maintain restraint and fully implement UN resolution 1701.
The Security Council issued the statement after Israel met with members of an American delegation and demanded the attack be officially condemned, as it unequivocally violated the ceasefire agreement. France then demanded the council assemble for a special meeting, during which members were debriefed on the attack.
Ahead of the meeting UN chief Ban Ki-moon severely criticized the Katyusha attack, and announced that UNIFIL forces and the Lebanese army promised to locate those behind the attack and to prevent additional attacks.
The letter sent by Israel noted that: " Israel views the katyusha rocket attack on Kiryat Shmona with outrage and as an absolute breach of resolution 1701. It was nothing short of a miracle that no one was harmed or killed. These rocket attacks constitute a dangerous threat to regional stability and security."
Israel said it expected the Lebanese government to ensure that neither Hizbullah nor Palestinian groups attacked Israel from Lebanese territory.
Israel demanded that UNIFIL forces act to prevent such attacks. Officials in Jerusalem said Israel was maintaining maximum restraint, but that it reserved the right to defend itself from aggressions.
