UN Peacekeepers Remain in Lebanon Despite Israeli Request to Vacate

The United Nations peacekeeping force in Lebanon, known as UNIFIL, will remain in its positions along the southern border despite a request from Israel to vacate some areas prior to its ground operation against Hezbollah militants, The Associated Press reports, citing UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix.

Lacroix said that UNIFIL commanders and liaison officers are maintaining constant communication with their counterparts in both the Israeli and Lebanese militaries, calling this crucial for the safety of the over 10,000 UN peacekeepers deployed in the area.

Established to oversee the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon after Israel’s 1978 invasion, UNIFIL’s mandate was expanded following the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah, allowing for peacekeepers to deploy along the Israeli border. However, despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding disarmament of all armed groups, including Hezbollah, and deployment of the Lebanese army along the border, neither has been achieved after 17 years.

Israeli ground forces crossed into southern Lebanon early Tuesday, marking a significant escalation of the war in the Middle East. This followed intensified airstrikes against Iranian-backed Hezbollah militants, and comes as the region braces for Israel’s response to Iran’s ballistic missile attack. The recent escalation began after Hezbollah retaliated against Israel for its offensive in Gaza, launched in response to attacks by Iranian-backed Hamas militants.

Lacroix acknowledged a few “issues” arising after Israel’s ground operation began, which he declined to elaborate on. He stressed, however, that the UN liaison mechanism with its Israeli and Lebanese counterparts has been “effective in addressing those issues.”

Although UNIFIL patrols have been suspended for the time being, the peacekeeping force maintains its positions with some areas experiencing a 20% reduction in personnel.

Addressing concerns about Israeli fire potentially coming too close to UNIFIL bases, Lacroix stated that the liaison operation plays a critical role in “preventing and dealing with possible incidents that would have the potential of affecting the safety, the security of our peacekeepers.” The liaison officers are also actively addressing other activities, including military movements.