The IDF has repeatedly demanded that UNIFIL troops evacuate the area in southern Lebanon as part of their campaign against Hezbollah. However, UNIFIL has stated that it will maintain its positions despite the Israeli military’s demands. Most recently, tensions escalated after Israel killed Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar in a strike in Gaza. UNIFIL, a UN peacekeeping mission, has decided to hold its positions following a unanimous decision by the 50 countries contributing to the 10,000 person force and the UN Security Council. More than a third of UNIFIL’s troops are from EU countries.
The deteriorating security situation in recent weeks due to fighting between Hezbollah and Israeli forces has forced UNIFIL to suspend most of its patrols near the “Blue Line” boundary along the Lebanon-Israel border. The IDF has targeted UNIFIL positions, putting the safety of peacekeepers at risk, and Hezbollah has launched rockets from near their positions, endangering their troops further. A German navy ship deployed as part of UNIFIL off Lebanon recently brought down a drone of unknown origin. Despite these challenges, UNIFIL continues to play a crucial role in maintaining peace in the region.
Despite being initially established as an interim force in 1978 following Israel’s invasion of southern Lebanon as part of “Operation Litani,” UNIFIL has been a permanent fixture on the Lebanese-Israeli border. The force is tasked with enforcing peace, maintaining a buffer zone between the two countries, facilitating humanitarian access, and protecting civilian populations. However, the force has often faced challenges in enforcing its mandate, especially during the 2006 Israeli invasion of Lebanon. Recent tensions between UNIFIL, Hezbollah, and Israel have further strained relations in the region.
Following the recent Israeli incursions into southern Lebanon, there has been a serious breakdown in relations between UNIFIL and the warring parties. Israeli officials have criticized UNIFIL for being ineffective in halting Hezbollah’s military activities in the area and have accused Hezbollah of having military complexes close to UNIFIL infrastructure. Nearly 800,000 people have been internally displaced within Lebanon, with many from UNIFIL’s areas of operation. More than 1,300 people have been killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanon since the conflict began on 23 September.
Despite the challenges faced by UNIFIL, the force continues to report suspicious activities to the Security Council and relay information from Israeli reports, including the presence of tunnels in the area. UNIFIL operates under the limitations of a Security Council resolution that prohibits certain actions such as searching private property or disarming Hezbollah. While self-defence is an option for UNIFIL troops, they aim to remain neutral and avoid becoming directly involved in the conflict. Overall, UNIFIL plays a crucial role in maintaining peace and stability in the Lebanon-Israel border region despite ongoing challenges.
In conclusion, UNIFIL’s decision to maintain its positions in southern Lebanon despite Israeli demands demonstrates the commitment of the peacekeeping force to its mission. Despite facing challenges from both Hezbollah and Israel, UNIFIL continues to play a vital role in enforcing peace, maintaining humanitarian access, and protecting civilian populations in the region. By navigating complex political dynamics and adhering to its mandate, UNIFIL remains a key player in mitigating conflict and promoting stability in the Lebanon-Israel border area.
