I am writing to draw your attention to a violent escalation in our region. Yesterday, two Israeli soldiers were seriously injured when three improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were detonated on the Israeli side of the Blue Line.  Shortly after the attack, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for the planting the devices.  This isn’t the first incident of this nature. Earlier this year, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah admitted his organization’s responsibility for planting a roadside bomb in the vicinity of Mount Dov.

These attacks constitute a flagrant breach of Security Council Resolution 1701. Israel has shown considerable restraint, but cannot be expected to stand by as its citizens are continuously put at risk. Israel will not accept any attacks on its territory.  The Government of Israel holds the Government of Lebanon responsible for all attacks emanating from Lebanese territory.  It must disarm Hezbollah and stem the uninterrupted flow of arms from Iran and Syria into Lebanon as required by numerous Security Council resolutions.

Like other violent Islamist groups, Hezbollah is driven by radical religious views, is notorious for brutality, and poses a significant danger to international peace and security.  As Prime Minister Netanyahu said in his speech to the General Assembly, the radical groups plaguing the Middle East are branches of the same poisonous tree. ISIS has spread like a weed through Syria and Iraq, al-Qaeda has branched out into North Africa and Yemen, and Hezbollah has grown deep roots in Lebanon.

Before the situation further deteriorates, I urge the Security Council and the Secretary-General to condemn today’s attack and demand that the Lebanese Government take responsibility by deploying the Lebanese Armed Forces in its south.  Furthermore, Israel expects the Lebanese Government to arrest the perpetrators who planted the IEDs.

I should be grateful if you would have this letter distributed as an official document of the Security Council. I wish to inform you that an identical letter has been sent to H.E. Mr. Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Allow me, Excellency, to renew to you the assurances of my highest consideration.

Yours truly,

Ron Prosor

Ambassador

Permanent Representative

H.E. Mrs. María Cristina Perceval

President of the Security Council

United Nations

New York