When I traveled to southern Lebanon in June, I was reminded of the complexity and importance of the work of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
After more than a year of devastating conflict between Hezbollah and other militia in Lebanon and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), a cessation of hostilities agreement (“ceasefire”) came into effect in late November 2024, bringing relief to the communities of Lebanon and northern Israel. However, the level of destruction and persistent fear of further violence has meant many people have yet to return to their homes. In addition, while Lebanese authorities have taken strides in recent months to deploy the Lebanese army to southern Lebanon and tackle the issue of Hezbollah’s weapons, achieving a state monopoly over the use of force throughout Lebanon will not be easy. The continued presence of Israeli forces on Lebanese soil must also be addressed. Tackling these issues is key for Lebanon and Israel, the parties to Security Council resolution 1701 (2006), if they are to achieve a permanent ceasefire and long-term security and stability for their communities.
In this context, the peacekeeping mission UNIFIL has adjusted the way it operates and redoubled its efforts to prevent a return to hostilities and maintain stability along the Blue Line—the line of withdrawal identified by the United Nations in 2000 to confirm Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon.
UNIFIL operates under United Nations Security Council resolution 1701 (2006), which ended the 2006 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The resolution calls for a full cessation of hostilities, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon, the extension of state authority throughout all of Lebanon’s territory, including the south, and the disarmament of all armed groups in Lebanon, with the Lebanese army as the country’s sole legitimate armed force. At its core, the resolution seeks to strengthen Lebanon’s sovereignty across its entire territory and calls on all parties to respect the Blue Line and work toward a permanent ceasefire.
Since November 2024, UNIFIL has supported the deployment of over 8,000 Lebanese army personnel to more than 120 positions in southern Lebanon—its most extensive presence in the area since 2006 and a critical step toward extending Lebanese state authority throughout its territory.
UNIFIL has also worked closely with the Lebanese army to find and dispose of hundreds of caches of weapons and ammunition abandoned by Hezbollah after the 2023-24 conflict with Israel. The U.N. peacekeeping force and Lebanese army have also uncovered tunnel networks and bunkers belonging to Hezbollah. In a tragic reminder of the dangers of such work, six Lebanese soldiers were killed in a recent operation.
UNIFIL continues to provide a critical liaison and coordination function between the parties to avoid misunderstandings and de-conflict movements of logistics convoys and patrols as well as of humanitarian actors and the Lebanese army. This channel of communication helps avoid confrontation between the Lebanese and Israeli forces and de-escalate tensions.
UNIFIL’s work has not been without challenges, or criticism. It has faced a difficult, and often adverse, operating environment—not only but particularly since October 2023. Under its mandate issued by the Security Council, it is not empowered to enforce peace: The responsibility for implementing the resolution, and achieving lasting security and stability, lies squarely with the parties themselves. The peacekeeping mission can only succeed in its work if Lebanon and Israel honor their commitments in good faith and take the necessary steps to address the underlying causes of tension. UNIFIL’s role is to assist, facilitate, and support, but it is ultimately up to the parties to turn the resolution’s provisions into lasting realities on the ground.
Despite the challenges, UNIFIL will continue to adapt its posture, profile, and presence to meet the needs on the ground. The peacekeepers are focused on enhanced patrolling capabilities, situational awareness, and community engagement. UNIFIL has expanded its support to the Lebanese army, through training, provision of non-lethal equipment, and combined operations—part of the broader objective of strengthening national capacity so that Lebanon can assume its responsibilities for stability in the south. While the Lebanese army has strengthened its presence in southern Lebanon considerably, it needs more resources—with the continued support of the international community—to effectively provide security along the Blue Line. Our shared goal is to reach a point where this progress is locked in, so that a relapse into conflict can be all but ruled out.
The November cessation of hostilities agreement together with recent political developments in Lebanon present a long-awaited opportunity to address the security concerns of both Israel and Lebanon. It is vital that we maintain this momentum and make use of UNIFIL’s presence to help Lebanon and Israel achieve a lasting peace. At this delicate juncture, the continued presence of an impartial, stabilizing United Nations force is critical not only for the people of Lebanon and Israel, but for the wider region as we work toward security and stability across the Blue Line.
Jean-Pierre Lacroix is the under-secretary-general for peace operations at the United Nations.
The views expressed in this article are the writer’s own.
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