What is the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) ?

By Dr Ashraf Chohan
Chairman PMLN UK

The International Interim Force in Lebanon refers to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), a peacekeeping mission established by the United Nations Security Council in 1978 through Resolutions 425 and 426. The mission was initially created in response to the Israeli invasion of southern Lebanon, with the primary goal of restoring peace and security in the region.

Objectives of UNIFIL:

1. Confirm Israeli Withdrawal: One of UNIFIL’s original mandates was to confirm the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, which had invaded the country in response to attacks by Palestinian groups based there.

2. Restore Peace and Security: The mission was tasked with helping the Lebanese government restore authority in the region and ensuring that peace and security were maintained in southern Lebanon, which had been destabilized by conflict.

3. Assist the Lebanese Armed Forces: Over time, UNIFIL’s role expanded to include assisting the Lebanese Armed Forces in maintaining stability in the region and preventing hostile activities between Israel and Hezbollah.

4. Monitor the Cessation of Hostilities: Following the 2006 Lebanon War between Israel and Hezbollah, the UN Security Council expanded UNIFIL’s mandate through Resolution 1701 to monitor the cessation of hostilities, assist with the safe return of displaced persons, and ensure the security of the border area between Lebanon and Israel.

Key Achievements:

1. Reduction in Large-Scale Conflict: UNIFIL has played a significant role in reducing the frequency of large-scale military conflicts between Israel and Hezbollah since the 2006 war, despite occasional border skirmishes.

2. Humanitarian Assistance: The force has also provided humanitarian assistance to civilians affected by the conflict, helping to stabilize local communities.

3. Support for Lebanese Sovereignty: By working closely with the Lebanese Armed Forces, UNIFIL has contributed to the re-establishment of Lebanese state control in areas that had been previously dominated by non-state actors.

4. De-mining Efforts: UNIFIL has been involved in clearing landmines and unexploded ordnance in southern Lebanon, which has been critical for ensuring civilian safety and supporting reconstruction efforts.

Challenges:

Despite its successes, UNIFIL faces several challenges:

• Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah: The ongoing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah continue to pose a risk to regional stability.

• Limited Mandate: While UNIFIL can monitor and report on violations of the ceasefire, it has limited authority to take direct action against violations or armed groups.

• Hezbollah’s Influence: Hezbollah remains a powerful presence in southern Lebanon, which complicates UNIFIL’s efforts to ensure that no armed groups other than the Lebanese government operate in the area.

In summary, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon has played a crucial role in maintaining peace and security along the Lebanon-Israel border and assisting Lebanon in restoring state authority, but it operates in a complex and tense environment, balancing between various local and regional actors.