Israel Accuses Lebanese Officer of Covering Up Peacekeeper Murder

UPDATE: Israel has made serious allegations against a senior Lebanese intelligence officer, claiming he obstructed the investigation into the murder of Irish peacekeeper Sean Rooney, who was shot dead in December 2022 while serving with Unifil. This urgent development arrives just days before the UN Security Council is set to vote on renewing Unifil’s mandate, amidst rising tensions in the region.

According to Col Avichay Adraee, spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the Lebanese officer allegedly collaborated with Hezbollah to conceal evidence related to the murder. Adraee accused the officer of being in “constant contact” with Hezbollah associates, hindering justice for Rooney’s death. The accusations come as both Israel and Lebanon prepare for critical discussions regarding Unifil’s future.

The Lebanese Army has strongly denied these allegations, asserting that its officers perform their duties with integrity. The officer named by the IDF was instrumental in coordinating with Unifil to investigate the circumstances surrounding Rooney’s murder. The Lebanese Army stated, “The Israeli enemy persists in its daily aggressions and violations of national sovereignty.”

Rooney was part of a convoy heading to Beirut when his UN-marked vehicle was attacked in the village of Al-Aqbiya. He succumbed to gunshot injuries, while his colleague, Trooper Shane Kearney, sustained serious injuries. Following the incident, the chief suspect, Mohammed Ayyad, was sentenced to death in absentia by a Lebanese military court last month but has not appeared in court since being released on medical bail in 2023.

The IDF’s claims coincide with the upcoming UN vote, where Israel is advocating for a withdrawal of Unifil from southern Lebanon. Meanwhile, Ireland and Lebanon are lobbying for the peacekeeping mission’s renewal, emphasizing its importance for regional stability. The Irish government has previously expressed outrage over the lenient sentences given to those involved in the attack on Rooney.

Unifil spokesman Andrea Tenenti stated that the mission has no information regarding the IDF’s claims, affirming that they maintain excellent relations with the Lebanese Armed Forces. He reiterated, “Unifil continues to work in close coordination with the Lebanese military to implement the mission’s mandate.”

As tensions escalate, the UN Security Council is poised to vote on Monday regarding the renewal of Unifil’s mandate. Israel has accused the mission of failing to disarm Hezbollah, while Ireland and its allies argue that the peacekeeping force is essential for maintaining stability in the region.

The outcome of the upcoming vote will be crucial, not only for the future of Irish peacekeepers in Lebanon—who currently comprise about 350 personnel—but also for the broader regional dynamics. Irish military officials stress that continued involvement in Unifil is vital for recruitment and retention of personnel.

As this situation unfolds, all eyes will be on the UN Security Council’s decision and the potential ramifications for peacekeeping efforts in Lebanon.