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After another escalation on the border between Israel and Lebanon, UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix made it clear that UN peacekeepers (UNIFIL) will continue to fulfil their mandate in South Lebanon. Despite calls by the Israeli government for their redeployment, UNIFIL forces will remain in place to ensure stability in the region.
“Blue Helmets as guarantors of safety
During a meeting with journalists, Lacroix noted that the presence of peacekeepers is critical to the fulfilment of the UN Security Council’s mandate, especially in the context of the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. “To fulfil the Security Council’s mandate and provide assistance to the civilian population, it is essential that the Blue Helmets remain in place,” he said.
On 14 October, the UN Security Council expressed serious concern over the shelling of the UNIFIL peacekeeping contingent during clashes between the Israeli military and Hezbollah militants. In a unanimous decision, the 15 members of the Council called on the parties to the conflict to guarantee the safety of peacekeepers, who play a key role in maintaining regional stability.
Israel insists on withdrawal of UNIFIL
In recent weeks, the Israeli government has repeatedly appealed to the UN to withdraw the peacekeepers. On 14 October, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that UNIFIL’s presence poses a security risk to Israelis. According to him, Hezbollah is using UNIFIL positions and facilities as a cover for attacks on Israeli cities and settlements.
Netanyahu stressed that the peacekeepers are unable to guarantee their own safety in the face of constant attacks by militants, so their presence only exacerbates the situation. However, the UN and other international partners insist that UNIFIL’s presence is essential to maintain the balance of power and avoid further escalation.
The role of resolution 1701
The situation in the region remains tense, and the UN Security Council has called for strict implementation of Resolution 1701, which ended the Second Lebanon War in 2006. This resolution requires all parties to cease hostilities and aims to maintain a lasting ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.
