UNIFIL: Guarding the Blue Line Amid Ongoing Tensions

UN peacekeepers, deployed to patrol Lebanon's southern border since 1978, operate under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Their mandate, expanded in 2006, focuses on preventing violations of the Blue Line separating Lebanon from Israel. The mission, involving over 10,000 troops, faces challenges from Hezbollah and Israeli infringements.

United Nations peacekeepers have been stationed along Lebanon's southern border with Israel since 1978, following Israel's invasion of south Lebanon. This operation, known as the U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), sees its mandate renewed yearly by the U.N. Security Council.

In 2006, after a month-long conflict between Israel and Hezbollah militants, the U.N. Security Council expanded UNIFIL's mandate through resolution 1701. This resolution delineates the Blue Line, a U.N.-mapped boundary separating Lebanon from Israel and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.

UNIFIL's current operational area stretches from the Litani River to the Blue Line. With over 10,000 troops from 50 countries and about 800 civilian staff, the mission assists the Lebanese army in maintaining a weapon-free zone, often clashing with Hezbollah forces. The operation reports all violations to the U.N. Security Council and coordinates with both Lebanese and Israeli military entities to preempt potential conflicts.

(With inputs from agencies.)