UN Peacekeepers in Southern Lebanon: A Fragile Mission Amidst Rising Tensions
On October 11, 2024, the streets of Marjayoun, a town in southern Lebanon near the Israeli border, were once again filled with the unmistakable sight of United Nations peacekeepers (UNIFIL) patrolling in their vehicles. This scene, however, is set against a backdrop of escalating hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, raising serious concerns about the safety of both the peacekeepers and the local population.
The Current Situation
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has expressed strong concern regarding the safety of UNIFIL personnel following a series of incidents where peacekeeping positions came under fire. Since the onset of Israeli military operations in Lebanon on October 1, UNIFIL has reported being affected by hostile actions at least 20 times, including direct fire and even an incident where Israeli tanks breached a UNIFIL base. These developments have led to injuries among peacekeepers, with one sustaining a bullet wound, highlighting the precarious nature of their mission.
In a statement, the UNSC reiterated that "U.N. peacekeepers and U.N. premises must never be the target of an attack," emphasizing the importance of UNIFIL in maintaining regional stability. The Council also called for the full implementation of Resolution 1701, which was adopted in 2006 to help maintain peace along the Lebanon-Israel border.
UNIFIL’s Mandate and Challenges
UNIFIL was established to assist Lebanese forces in ensuring that southern Lebanon remains free of armed personnel and weapons, except for those belonging to the Lebanese government. However, the mission has faced significant challenges in fulfilling this mandate, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israeli forces.
Deputy U.S. Ambassador Robert Wood underscored the necessity for UNIFIL to effectively carry out its duties, while UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix emphasized that the mission’s role is supportive rather than enforcement-based. He pointed out that any failures to implement Resolution 1701 should not be attributed to UNIFIL, as its mandate does not include direct engagement in hostilities.
Rising Tensions and Calls for Action
The situation has become increasingly tense, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calling for the withdrawal of UNIFIL from southern Lebanon. In contrast, UNIFIL leadership has firmly stated that they will not retreat from their positions, asserting their commitment to the mission despite the dangers involved.
The Security Council’s discussions have also highlighted the need for a more robust approach to ensure the safety of UNIFIL personnel. Israeli officials have suggested that the Lebanese army and UNIFIL have failed to control the area effectively, prompting calls for a stronger mandate that would empower UNIFIL to deter Hezbollah’s activities more effectively.
The International Community’s Role
The international community, particularly the United States and France, has recognized the importance of strengthening the Lebanese army as a crucial step toward implementing Resolution 1701. However, the ongoing hostilities complicate these efforts, as both sides have been reported to violate the terms of the resolution, which prohibits crossing the Blue Line that separates Lebanon from Israel.
Russian U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia has voiced concerns about the jeopardization of UNIFIL personnel, stating that threats against peacekeepers are unacceptable. The current mandate for UNIFIL is set to last until August 31, 2025, but any changes to its operational scope would require approval from the Security Council.
Conclusion
As the situation in southern Lebanon continues to evolve, the role of UNIFIL remains critical in maintaining a semblance of peace and stability in a region fraught with tension. The challenges faced by peacekeepers are emblematic of the broader complexities of international peacekeeping efforts in conflict zones. With rising hostilities and calls for a reevaluation of UNIFIL’s mandate, the future of peacekeeping in southern Lebanon hangs in the balance, underscoring the urgent need for diplomatic solutions and a commitment to safeguarding both peacekeepers and the local population.