Exploring UNIFIL’s role: Are Peacekeepers truly effective in Southern Lebanon?

To stop the fight between Israel and armed groups in Southern Lebanon, UNIFIL was established. However, the  United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has not been successful in attaining its goal. Despite this inability, people still believe that UNIFIL has done its job well. 

One of the United Nations peacekeepers, “Michael” shared his experience in a recent interview. He said that UNIFIL was completely under the leadership of Hezbollah, an armed group in the region. This statement Michael raised many questions about UNIFIL’s ability to work independently and effectively. It highlights that the true mission of peacekeeping has been compromised. 

This makes it very difficult to attain peace and security across the region. Michael’s comments point out the challenges that the  United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) faces and highlight the need for a reassessment of its role in Lebanon.

A year or so ago, an Israel Today reader asserted that UNIFIL had no duty to uphold UN resolutions or put an end to hostilities between Hezbollah and Lebanon. Technically speaking, this remark is accurate, but it ignores a more important point. The primary responsibility of UNIFIL is to prevent Hezbollah from operating as an armed group in southern Lebanon.

UNIFIL’s duties are spelt out in its explicit mandate. It must first keep an eye on the fighting to make sure that it has indeed ceased. Second, it helps the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) establish a safe zone between the Litani River and the Blue Line, where no armed organizations or weapons should be present other than those owned by UNIFIL and the Lebanese government.

UNIFIL must also do all in its power to keep its territory from being restored for hostile purposes. Lastly, UNIFIL must resist any efforts to compel them to cease carrying out the Security Council’s edict. UNIFIL plays a critical role in preserving regional peace and security, even though it may not directly enforce resolutions. 

According to observers, UNIFIL troops did not fulfil their duties as well. Their responsibility is to monitor the area, but evidence highlights that they are not effective at watching over the region. According to Michael, Hezbollah fully controls ‌UNIFIL. He explained that UN troops were not able to move freely and avoided going out at midnight. This is because they are afraid of Hezbollah. 

This gave Hezbollah a great opportunity to take any action without being watched during the evening. When Hezbollah wants to keep some secret with UNIFIL, they simply block the roads, compelling the United Nations troops to turn back. This action by the political group Hezbollah raises concerns about ‌UNIFIL’s ability to fight and fulfil its mission. The challenges they face highlight the difficulties in maintaining peace and security in the area. Overall, it is clear that UNIFIL’s presence is not as effective as it should be, leaving the region vulnerable to conflicts and tensions.

Nothing was done in response to UN soldiers reporting violations of Security Council Resolution 1701. Their supervisors didn’t respond to them, and nothing was done. Michael was irritated by this and realized that the UN frequently does not carry out its duties effectively.

This was ten years ago, Michael said. He believes that since UNIFIL failed in its purpose, Hezbollah has probably grown even more potent. Serious issues are discussed about the UN’s capacity to maintain peace and properly address issues. The lack of action on these conclusions, which affect regional stability, is a clear indication of the UN’s grave flaws in its job.