The Complex Relationship Between U.N. Peacekeepers and Hezbollah in Southern Lebanon

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The relationship between U.N. Peacekeepers and Hezbollah is complex and multifaceted, influenced by the geopolitical dynamics in the region, the mandates of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), and the actions of both Hezbollah and Israeli forces.

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Relationship Overview

1. Mandate and Role of UNIFIL:
   • UNIFIL was established in 1978 to oversee the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon. Its role expanded after the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah, allowing it to monitor the cessation of hostilities and patrol a buffer zone along the Lebanon-Israel border known as the Blue Line.
   • The force is lightly armed and primarily observational, focusing on patrols, monitoring violations of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701, and supporting local communities.

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2. Hezbollah's Utilization of UNIFIL Presence:
   • Hezbollah has been accused by Israel of using UNIFIL outposts as hiding places and launching attacks from areas near UNIFIL positions. This has led to accusations that Hezbollah exploits the proximity to U.N. peacekeepers to shield their activities from Israeli retaliation.
   • There have been reports of Hezbollah operating in the vicinity of UNIFIL posts, using these locations to store weapons and launch attacks against Israel.
3. Israeli Criticism and Actions:
   • Israel has repeatedly criticized UNIFIL for failing to prevent Hezbollah from establishing military outposts near the border. Israeli officials argue that UNIFIL's presence has not effectively deterred Hezbollah's militarization in southern Lebanon.
   • Recently, Israeli forces have directly targeted UNIFIL positions, claiming they were responding to immediate threats from Hezbollah. These actions have injured several peacekeepers and further strained relations between Israel and the U.N..
4. International Reactions and U.N. Stance:
   • The U.N. Security Council has expressed concern over the attacks on peacekeepers and has called for ensuring their safety. The U.N. maintains that UNIFIL's presence is crucial for maintaining peace and stability in the region, despite the challenges posed by Hezbollah's activities and Israeli actions.
   • The U.N. Secretary-General has emphasized that any attacks on peacekeepers may constitute war crimes, and UNIFIL continues to operate in its positions despite the increased risks.

Why U.N. Peacekeepers Are Considered Hezbollah’s Best Friend

The notion that U.N. peacekeepers are considered Hezbollah’s best friend stems from several factors:

1. Proximity and Protection:
   • Hezbollah's use of areas near UNIFIL posts provides a layer of protection against Israeli retaliation. By operating close to U.N. peacekeepers, Hezbollah can deter Israeli attacks, as any strike on these positions risks injuring or killing peacekeepers, which could lead to international condemnation.
2. Operational Advantage:
   • The presence of UNIFIL allows Hezbollah to establish military outposts with a reduced risk of direct confrontation with Israeli forces. This proximity enables Hezbollah to monitor Israeli movements and launch attacks with a degree of impunity, using the U.N.'s presence as a shield.
3. Criticism of UNIFIL's Effectiveness:
   • Critics argue that UNIFIL's inability or unwillingness to effectively enforce its mandate against Hezbollah has led to accusations that the peacekeeping force is complicit in allowing Hezbollah's militarization near the border. This perception is reinforced by incidents where Hezbollah has launched attacks from areas near UNIFIL posts.

In summary, the relationship between U.N. peacekeepers and Hezbollah is marked by a complex interplay of security, geopolitical interests, and operational strategies. While UNIFIL's primary role is to maintain peace and stability, its proximity to Hezbollah activities has led to significant challenges and criticisms, contributing to the perception that it inadvertently supports Hezbollah's operations in southern Lebanon.