Italy raises the level of attention on the 1200 soldiers deployed to guarantee peace in Lebanon. Rome is considering a possible rapid evacuation due to fears of an escalation between Israel and Lebanon. The fuse was lit by a Hezbollah attack on a football field in the Israeli city of Majdal Shams. Now Tel Aviv could start an offensive in southern Lebanon against the Lebanese Shiite militias.

The Italian Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, also spoke on the issue, saying in an interview with the Italian "Quotidiano Nazionale" newpapare: "We have two military contingents in Lebanon, one in Beirut and another with Unifil along the borders, and 3000 civilians Italians, many of whom have double passports. Ensuring the safety of our compatriots is the first mission. I am in contact with the Minister of Defense, Guido Crosetto, and with our ambassador".

Regarding a possible escalation between Lebanon and Israel, Crosetto made it known that "the Italian contingent will continue to operate with dedication, to prevent this from happening. The UN resolution provides for a band between the Blue Line and the Litani river, without weapons if not those of Unifil and the Lebanese armed forces. Now it can no longer be pretended".

On the subject, see also the article published by AVIONEWS.