UNIFIL In Crossfire: Rising Tensions In Southern Lebanon Amid Israel-Hezbollah Conflict

In recent weeks, the conflict in southern Lebanon has escalated dramatically, placing the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in an increasingly precarious position. With Israel intensifying its military operations against Hezbollah, the 10,000-strong peacekeeping force stationed along the Israel-Lebanon border is now facing heightened risks, with both sides of the conflict casting blame.  

The Current Situation: UN Peacekeepers Under Fire

According to a UN statement, the Israeli military has targeted the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which comprises international peacekeepers stationed in the country. 

“This morning, two peacekeepers were injured after an IDF [Israeli army] Merkava tank fired its weapon toward an observation tower at UNIFIL’s headquarters in Naqura [Naqoura], directly hitting it and causing them to fall,” a UNIFIL spokesperson said on Sunday. 

International criticism is mounting as five UN peacekeepers have been wounded in recent attacks, with most of the blame attributed to Israeli forces. UNIFIL’s headquarters in Naqoura, a town in southern Lebanon, has been hit multiple times, with damage inflicted on observation towers, monitoring equipment, and even personnel. The situation reached a critical point when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for the peacekeepers to evacuate, accusing them of "providing a human shield to Hezbollah."

Netanyahu, in a message to the UN Secretary-General, insisted that the peacekeepers leave the area, stating, "The simple and obvious way to ensure this is simply to get them out of the danger zone."

What is UNIFIL?

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, commonly known as UNIFIL, was established in 1978 following Israel's invasion and occupation of southern Lebanon. Its primary mission was to oversee the withdrawal of Israeli troops and to assist the Lebanese government in restoring its authority over the region. However, Israel's occupation persisted for decades, with another invasion occurring in 1982.

It wasn't until 2000 that Israel fully withdrew from southern Lebanon, but the region remained a flashpoint of conflict, particularly due to the activities of Hezbollah, a militant group based in Lebanon that opposes Israel. To manage the tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, UNIFIL’s role was expanded following the month-long 2006 war between the two. The UN tasked UNIFIL with monitoring a cessation of hostilities and patrolling a buffer zone along the border.

The force now consists of approximately 10,000 peacekeepers from 50 different countries. Its responsibilities include patrolling, monitoring, and reporting violations of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. UNIFIL also provides support to local communities, offering humanitarian assistance and fostering dialogue between conflicting parties.

UNIFIL’s Mandate and Challenges

UNIFIL's primary mandate has always been to prevent the resumption of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, a task that has become increasingly challenging over time. The peacekeeping force operates along the Blue Line, a boundary drawn by the United Nations to separate Israeli and Lebanese territories in the absence of an official, agreed-upon border. This line serves as a buffer zone, where UNIFIL patrols and monitors for violations of the ceasefire agreement.

In recent years, Hezbollah has grown in both strength and influence in southern Lebanon, often operating in proximity to UNIFIL positions. The militant group’s presence has made it more difficult for peacekeepers to navigate their role, as Israeli forces frequently accuse Hezbollah of using the UN peacekeepers as cover for their operations. The situation has escalated in recent months, as Israeli forces have accused UNIFIL of turning a blind eye to Hezbollah's activities near the border.

According to Israeli military spokesman Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani, Hezbollah has been operating near UNIFIL’s positions, although no direct evidence has been provided. "We regret the injury to the UNIFIL soldiers, and we are doing everything in our power to prevent this injury," Shoshani said. However, the situation remains volatile, with UNIFIL caught in the crossfire between Hezbollah and Israel.

Growing Tensions Between Israel and the UN

The relationship between Israel and the United Nations has been fraught with tension for years, but it has worsened dramatically since the onset of the current conflict. Israel has long accused the UN of being biased against it, particularly in relation to the Israel-Palestine conflict. These accusations have now extended to UNIFIL's operations in Lebanon.

Earlier this month, Israel declared UN Secretary-General António Guterres persona non grata, effectively severing high-level diplomatic ties between the two. This move came in response to what Israel perceives as the UN's failure to take a more forceful stance against Hezbollah's activities along the Blue Line.

Tensions have escalated further with Israel's call for UNIFIL to evacuate the border area and move further north, a demand that would severely hamper the peacekeepers' ability to carry out their mission. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN's peacekeeping chief, rejected these demands, stating that UNIFIL would not evacuate its personnel despite the growing danger. However, Lacroix acknowledged that the peacekeepers’ operations have "virtually come to a halt" since Israel expanded its military campaign against Hezbollah in late September.

UNIFIL’s Operations Under Strain

As Israel continues its ground invasion in southern Lebanon, the situation for UNIFIL becomes increasingly precarious. On Thursday, October 12, an Israeli tank reportedly "directly fired" on UNIFIL's headquarters in Naqoura, knocking down an observation tower and injuring two Indonesian peacekeepers. UNIFIL claimed that Israel “deliberately” targeted their monitoring cameras, further hampering their ability to oversee the ceasefire agreement.

Subsequent attacks on UNIFIL's positions have only added to the strain. On Friday, new explosions hit their headquarters, wounding two more peacekeepers, although it is unclear who was responsible for these attacks. As the conflict continues to rage, UNIFIL’s ability to resupply its forward positions with essential items like food, water, and fuel has been severely compromised. Lacroix confirmed that 300 peacekeepers in front-line positions have been temporarily moved to larger bases due to safety concerns.

The Future of UNIFIL in Southern Lebanon

The future of UNIFIL's mission in southern Lebanon is uncertain as the conflict shows no signs of abating. With Israel demanding that the peacekeepers leave the area and the United Nations standing firm in its refusal, the situation remains a powder keg. Any further escalation could place UNIFIL in even greater danger, undermining its ability to maintain peace and stability in the region.

While UNIFIL has faced challenges in the past, the current conflict between Israel and Hezbollah presents perhaps the most serious threat to its mission since its establishment in 1978. As the peacekeepers attempt to navigate an increasingly hostile environment, the world watches closely, hoping that a diplomatic solution can be found to prevent further bloodshed and restore calm to the volatile region of southern Lebanon.