The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has accused Israeli forces of ramming its vehicles and obstructing peacekeeping operations in southern Lebanon amid escalating cross-border tensions.

In a statement, UNIFIL said Israeli soldiers on two occasions on Saturday rammed UN peacekeeper vehicles with a Merkava tank, causing significant damage in one incident, reports Al Jazeera.

It also alleged that Israeli troops fired “warning shots” over the past week at clearly marked UNIFIL vehicles, striking and damaging them. In one case, a shot reportedly landed about a metre from a peacekeeper who had just dismounted his vehicle.

The mission further said Israeli forces have repeatedly blocked peacekeepers’ movements along key routes in recent days, and since early April have destroyed force protection cameras at UNIFIL headquarters in Naqoura and at five other positions along the Blue Line from Ras Naqoura to Maroun ar-Ras.

On Saturday, UNIFIL said Israeli forces also spray-painted windows at the headquarters’ pedestrian access gate, obstructing visibility of the external perimeter.

The UN force said the actions are “inconsistent with Israel’s obligations under Security Council resolution 1701” and undermine the safety, security and freedom of movement of peacekeepers.

Meanwhile, Israeli media reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited southern Lebanon, accompanied by Defence Minister Israel Katz and army chief Eyal Zamir. Footage released by Netanyahu showed him alongside Israeli troops in the area.

Separately, reporting from southern Lebanon said Israeli forces have intensified strikes and operations in areas including Khiam, Nabatieh, Tyre and Qana, while also pushing efforts to gain control of the strategic border town of Bint Jbeil.

The town, which holds symbolic importance due to past conflicts, is considered a key logistical and tactical position in the ongoing tensions between Israeli forces and Hezbollah.