1. Executive Summary:

The Israel-Lebanon conflict is a long-standing and complex situation involving various groups in the region, such as the Lebanese government, Israel, Hezbollah, and other militant organizations. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was formed on March 19, 1978, to help stop hostilities between Israel and Lebanon after the Israeli invasion. The mandate of UNIFIL was to restore international peace and security in the area and to supervise the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon. The report will examine the origins of the conflict, the mandate and activities of UNIFIL, the impact of the conflict on the region, and potential avenues for conflict resolution.

2. Introduction:

UNIFIL

I. Legitimate Formation of UNIFIL

The UNIFIL was adopted as a response to the Israeli invasion of Lebanon, in 1978. The United Nations Security Council introduced resolutions 425 (1978) and 426 (1978), calling for Israel’s immediate withdrawal and the establishment of a peacekeeping force.

UNIFIL was created to:

• Confirm the withdrawal of Israeli forces
• Restore international peace and security
• Assist Lebanon in ensuring its effective authority

II. Participating Countries, Budget, Activities, and Establishments

UNIFIL encompasses military troops from `50 countries, with the highest number of military personnel belonging to Indonesia, Italy, India, Ghana, and Nepal. The peace force is headquartered in Naqoura, Lebanon, and operates in a 1060 square kilometre zone along the Lebanese-Israeli border.

UNIFIL’s activities include:

• Patrolling the Blue Line
• Monitoring the area for illegal weapons
• Assisting the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF)
• Conducting humanitarian aid and development projects

III. ⁠UN Peacekeeping mandate and how Israel perceives it

UNIFIL’S primary goal is to ensure peace in the region and oversee the Israeli force’s departure. After the assists and supports the LAF, including in their efforts to ensure that the area between the Litani River and the Blue Line is free of illegal weapons and is not used for any hostile activity. UNIFIL carries out a range of operations across its Area of Operations between the Litani River in the north and the Blue Line (Line of Withdrawal of the Israel Defense Forces) in the south. These include day and night-time patrols, establishment of observation points, monitoring of the Blue Line, and carrying out clearance of unexploded ordnances and cluster munitions. UNIFIL operates in support of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) that has the primary responsibility of ensuring security in the area

Israeli Perception of UNIFIL

Since the inception of UNIFIL, Israel has continuously criticised and condemned UNIFIL has incompetent in its formation, UNIFIL has been repeatedly criticised and condemned as incompetent, ineffectual, “a failure” of the United Nations and “largely meaningless”.

Tel Aviv claims that the interim force has aided Hezbollah to replenish its military supplies. On the other hand, Hezbollah accused the force of spying and assisting Israel. l claims the force has allowed, if not aided, Hezbollah’s replenishment of military power.

Recently, Israeli forces attacked the UNIFIL’s headquarters in Naquroa, on October 11, 2024 night, with at least five peacekeepers injured in the past days. .The UN and UNIFIL have called on all to respect the UNIFIL’s mission and ensure the safety of its personnel.

3. Conflict Background:

Israel-Lebanon

Israel and Lebanon share a complex history rooted in territorial disputes, and religious and ethnic tensions along with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Their border has been a source of contention since the establishment of Israel in 1948. The existence of Palestinian militant groups in southern Lebanon has added to the complexity of the situation, resulting in frequent conflicts between Israeli and Lebanese forces.

Historical context:

Several major wars and incidents have marked the altercation. The 1978 Israeli invasion of Lebanon and the 1982 Israeli invasion of Lebanon were significant turning points in the conflict. The Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990) also significantly impacted the region.

Key Actors: The key players in the conflict include Israel, Lebanon, Hezbollah, and the Palestinian militant groups. Hezbollah, a Lebanese Shia militant group, has played a particularly important role in the conflict, exerting significant influence in southern Lebanon and engaging in armed clashes with Israel.

4. Conflict Dynamics

Timeline of Events: The conflict has been going on for several years now. In recent times, tensions have surged resulting in border clashes, rocket attacks and Israeli airstrikes.

Strategies and Tactics: Both nations have contributed to the conflict by leveraging a wide range of strategies and methods. Israel has implemented military force to target Hezbollah and other militant organizations in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah, on the other hand, has relied on guerrilla tactics and rocket strikes to hit Israeli targets.

The October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel fueled a renewed Israel-Hezbollah conflict. Initially, the conflict consisted of cross-border shelling and airstrikes. However, the conflict was exacerbated when Israel conducted a series of explosions of Lebanese pagers and walkie-talkies. Israel then began an aerial bombing throughout Lebanon, killing at least 569 people on 23 September; the largest conflict-related loss of life in a single day in Lebanon since the Civil War.

Power Dynamics: The power dynamics between Israel and Hezbollah have evolved throughout the conflicts. Although Israel possesses a notable military edge, owing to its technological prowess. On the other hand, Hezbollah has shown its capability to cause casualties among Israeli forces.

5. Impact Analysis

Humanitarian Impact: The conflict has had a detrimental humanitarian impact on the Lebanese population. Civilians have been used as human shields to carry on violent activities. In response civilians have been killed and injured in clashes between Israeli and Lebanese forces, and many have been displaced. The conflict has also hurt Lebanon’s economy and infrastructure.

Economic Impact: The conflict has had a substantial economic impact on Lebanon, particularly in southern Lebanon. The tourism industry has been severely affected, and businesses have been forced to close due to the conflict.

Environmental Impact: The conflict has harmed the environment, including the destruction of natural resources and the pollution of air and water.

Cultural and Social Impact: The conflict has had a profound cultural and social impact on Lebanon. The war has led to the displacement of many people and has disrupted social cohesion.

6. Conflict Resolution and Management

Peace Processes: There have been numerous attempts to resolve the conflict between Israel and Lebanon. The most recent peace process was the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah. While a ceasefire was eventually achieved, the underlying issues that fueled the conflict remain unresolved. A new period of conflict began in 2023, leading to the 2024 Israeli invasion of Lebanon.

Mediation and International Involvement: The United Nations has played a central role in mediating the conflict. UNIFIL has been deployed to the region to monitor the ceasefire and to help the Lebanon government set up its authority. The United States, France, and other international actors have also been involved in mediation efforts.

Scenarios for Resolution: There are several potential scenarios for the resolution of the conflict. One possibility is a negotiated settlement that would address the underlying issues that have fueled the conflict. Another possibility is a prolonged period of instability, characterized by intermittent violence and a lack of progress towards a lasting solution.

7. Future Outlook

Potential Developments: The future of the conflict between Israel and Lebanon is uncertain. The continued presence of Hezbollah in southern Lebanon remains a major source of tension. The possibility of a new war between the two sides cannot be ruled out.

Risks and Opportunities: The conflict presents significant risks to regional stability and security. However, there are also opportunities for peace and reconciliation. A negotiated settlement could lead to a more stable and prosperous future for both Israel and Lebanon.

8. Recommendations

Policy Recommendations:

• The international community should continue to support UNIFIL and its efforts to maintain the ceasefire and to prevent further escalation.
• The parties involved in the conflict should engage in negotiations to address the unresolved issues that further escalate the conflict.
• The Lebanese government should strengthen its security forces to improve its ability to control the situation in southern Lebanon.

Strategic Recommendations:

• Agreeing on a long-term solution will require a comprehensive approach that addresses the political, economic, and social dimensions of the problem.
• The international community should continue to provide economic assistance to Lebanon to help rebuild its infrastructure and economy.

9. Conclusion

The Israel-Lebanon is a multifaceted conflict with a long history. The conflict has a devastating impact on the region and its economy. However, the international community can find a way through mediation and diplomacy to achieve lasting peace.

Israel’s criticisms of UNIFIL

1. it maintains dialogue with Hezbollah, which it views as a terrorist organization, and treats Israeli and Hezbollah violations of UNSC Resolution 1701 equally, while Israel views its violations of Lebanese airspace as less severe than Hezbollah’s violations including crossings of the blue line and rocket launches, namely because the presence of Hezbollah in southern Lebanon in and of itself is in violation of Resolution 1701.
2. Israel further blamed it for obstructing its investigation by initially denying the existence of the attack and, upon the leaking of the incident’s occurrence, refusing to supply videos for several months
3. UNIFIL also came under criticism during the 2006 Lebanon War for broadcasting detailed reports of Israeli troop movements, numbers, and positions on their website which “could have exposed Israeli soldiers to grave danger”, while making no such reports about Hezbollah. UNIFIL’s actions could have been motivated by the fact that Israel was, as a response to Hezbollah rocket fire (which Hezbollah alleges to have been a reaction to Israeli “border violations”) and to the kidnapping of Israeli soldiers, conducting a ground invasion of Lebanon at that time.