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American ambassador tells UN to fight Hezbollah, not Israel

Ambassador Haley challenged the UN chief’s demand that Israel “stop violations of Lebanese airspace,” which essentially equated Israeli defense measures with Hezbollah terror strategies.

US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley did not mince words in her response to demands by the world body that Israel cease its military operations against the Hezbollah terror army, which operates on its border with Lebanon. Specifically, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, “Israel must withdraw its forces from Lebanese territory and stop violations of Lebanese airspace.”

Guterres was apparently referring to Israel’s defensive measures, necessitated by the free reign Hezbollah had been given by Lebanon and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which was assembled “to confirm Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon” and “monitor the cessation of hostilities.”

Guterres’ comments are in line with the UN’s historically anti-Israel posture and its record of singling out the tiny Jewish state for censure, criticism, and generally unequal treatment.

“UNIFIL, in coordination with the Lebanese armed forces, remains determined to act with all means available within its mandate and capabilities on concrete information provided regarding the illegal presence of armed personnel, weapons or infrastructure inside its area of operations,” Guterres stated.

In response to Guterres’ recent comments, Haley emphasized America’s role as Israel’s ally, noting that the US “will continue to raise the threat posed by Hezbollah as we seek significant improvements to UNIFIL when the Security Council renews its mandate this month.” She also reminded the UN chief of UNIFIL’s mandate to halt the spread of illegal arms in southern Lebanon, which, she noted “are almost entirely in the hands of Hezbollah terrorists.”

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In short, Haley clarified that the US seeks “significant improvements” to UNIFIL’s performance and expects the UN Security Council to oversee this push.

By: Ebin Sandler, World Israel News