Israel has intensified its military operations in southern Lebanon,advancing deeper into region than at any time since its withdrawal in 2000. This escalation raises serious questions about the effectiveness of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which has been unable to prevent the invasion despite its long-standing peacekeeping mandate.
Established in 1978 during the first Israeli invasion,UNIFIL's role has evolved but remains constrained by political and operational limitations. The force is tasked with monitoring situation under UN Resolution 1701,which calls for cessation of hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel. However,it lacks the authority to engage militarily unless in self-defense. This has led to criticisms from both sides: Israel accuses UNIFIL of failing to disarm Hezbollah, while Hezbollah claims the force acts in Israel's interests.
Since March 2,when Hezbollah fired on Israel for the first time in over a year, situation has deteriorated sharply. Israel's military actions have resulted in over 3,400 deaths and displaced more than 1.2 million people in Lebanon. The country has faced more than 10,000 violations of the 2024 ceasefire agreement,with towns and villages suffering extensive destruction . recent invasion marks one of the most aggressive military campaigns by Israel in decades.
UNIFIL's public information officer,Tilak Pokharel,noted that the force's activities have been severely hampered by both Israeli military operations and Hezbollah's actions,including placement of landmines. He acknowledged that peacekeepers have faced attacks,including killing of a French soldier in April, attributed to Hezbollah . The ongoing conflict has limited UNIFIL's ability to fulfill its mandate effectively.
As Israel continues its military push, it has taken control of significant locations, including the historic Beaufort Castle. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has authorized attacks on southern Beirut,further escalating tensions. On diplomatic front,Lebanon and Israel are set to resume negotiations in Washington,D.C., but the situation on the ground remains volatile.
UNIFIL's mandate is set to expire on December 31, 2026,after nearly five decades of operation. European diplomats have expressed a desire to maintain some form of monitoring presence in Lebanon post-UNIFIL, but financial constraints have reduced the force from around 15,000 personnel at its peak to just over 7,000 currently. The United States has opposed extending UNIFIL's mandate,raising concerns about a potential security vacuum in the region.
Analysts argue that any future international force,whether a scaled-down UN presence or another entity,will struggle to ensure peace without a broader political consensus within Lebanon and region . The fate of Lebanon is closely linked to ongoing negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, which backs Hezbollah. Observers emphasize that lasting stability requires mutual recognition of sovereignty and a resolution to the Palestinian issue .
As the conflict continues, the role of UNIFIL and the future of peacekeeping in Lebanon remain uncertain. challenges facing both the force and the region highlight the complexities of achieving lasting peace amid ongoing hostilities.
