As the Israeli Army (IDF) makes progress against Hezbollah terrorists in southern Lebanon, the international community has reacted strongly to reports of the IDF engaging with UNIFIL, the United Nations’ “peacekeeping” force in the area.
A little bit of the history of UNIFIL
UNIFIL’s presence in Lebanon dates back to the 1970s, when it was established to maintain peace between Israel and Lebanon. Despite its noble intentions, the force has struggled to prevent escalations of violence over the decades. From the PLO’s attacks in the 1980s to Hezbollah’s current dominance, the region has seen multiple Israeli invasions and withdrawals, with UNIFIL often appearing powerless to maintain stability.
The latest chapter in this long-standing conflict began in October 2023, following Hamas’ attack on Israel. Hezbollah, the dominant force in southern Lebanon, launched its own assault on Israel, firing thousands of rockets into civilian areas and conducting cross-border raids. In response, Israel has once again entered Lebanese territory, marking its third invasion in recent history.
What’s happening now?
Israel’s current operation aims to neutralize Hezbollah’s military capabilities, in order to allow tens of thousands of its citizens to return to their homes in northern Israel. Reports are indicating significant progress in destroying rocket munitions and eliminating key leadership. However, this offensive has led to increased encounters with UNIFIL personnel, culminating in a recent incident where two peacekeepers were allegedly injured by Israeli tank fire.
This event has sparked international condemnation, though Israel maintains it had warned UNIFIL to evacuate the area. The incident underscores the precarious position of the 10,000-strong peacekeeping force, drawn from about 50 countries, as they find themselves caught between Hezbollah’s entrenched positions and Israel’s determination to secure its northern border.
Critics argue that UNIFIL’s presence has been ineffective at best and potentially complicit at worst, with questions arising about how Hezbollah could construct extensive tunnel networks near UNIFIL observation posts without detection. The situation raises serious concerns about the UN force’s ability to fulfill its mandate and its role in the ongoing conflict.
Looking ahead
As Israel continues its efforts to “clean house” and restore peace to its northern border, the future of UNIFIL’s mission in Lebanon remains uncertain. The international community must grapple with the complex realities on the ground and reassess the effectiveness of its peacekeeping efforts in the region.
Meanwhile, Israel faces threats on multiple fronts. A terrorist attack today in southern Israel, near Ashdod, resulted in the death of a police officer and injuries to several civilians. The attacker, a Palestinian from Gaza who had entered Israel before the current war, was neutralized by an Israeli civilian. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing security challenges faced by Israel and its citizens
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