Israeli Ambassador to the U.N. Danny Danon has accused the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) of failing to prevent the terrorist group Hezbollah from establishing military outposts near the Israeli border. Israel’s incursion into southern Lebanon revealed a Hezbollah outpost north of the border filled with explosives and mines. Danon criticized UNIFIL for allowing Hezbollah to use their outposts for concealment and ambushes, as well as for failing to report violations of Resolution 1701, which stipulates that only the Lebanese army can operate in the area.
The goal of Resolution 1701, passed by the U.S. and other world powers in 2006, was to help the Lebanese Armed Forces take control of the region between the Litani River and southern Lebanese border, displacing Hezbollah. However, Hezbollah’s decision to join forces with Hamas in attacking Israel exposed UNIFIL’s failure to fulfill its mission. A Hezbollah drone attack left four IDF soldiers dead and nearly 60 Israelis injured, prompting Israel to reevaluate the threat posed by the Iranian-backed terrorist group.
The IDF reported that Hezbollah had launched approximately 25 rockets and missiles from terrorist compounds near UNIFIL posts in southern Lebanon, resulting in the deaths of two IDF soldiers. UNIFIL claimed that IDF tanks had violated their position in Lebanon, causing damage and endangering peacekeepers. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for UNIFIL to withdraw its troops from southern Lebanon, accusing them of being used as “human shields” by Hezbollah. The U.N. Secretary-General urged all parties to refrain from actions that put peacekeepers at risk and called for a cessation of hostilities in line with Resolution 1701.
Despite the ongoing tensions, the U.N. Security Council is set to discuss the situation in Lebanon further. Danon expressed concern about the incident involving UNIFIL soldiers and vowed to investigate. The presence of Hezbollah tunnels near UNIFIL observation posts and other military installations in violation of UNSC 1701 underscores the challenges faced by peacekeepers in the region. The U.N. chief reiterated the importance of ensuring the safety of U.N. personnel and properties and called for the full implementation of Resolution 1701 to promote peace and stability in the area.
Hezbollah’s aggressive actions and the continued threat they pose to Israel have raised alarms within the Israeli government and international community. The failure of UNIFIL to prevent Hezbollah from launching attacks near their outposts highlights the need for stronger enforcement of the resolutions aimed at ensuring peace in the region. As the situation continues to escalate, it will be crucial for all parties involved to work towards de-escalation and dialogue to avoid further violence and conflict in the region.
