The escalation between Lebanon Israel In recent weeks, the conflict has become open, culminating with the bombing of Beirut on September 27 and the assassination of Hassan Nasrallah, leader and guide of the movement. Hezbollah, the Shiite paramilitary militia. On the night of September 30, Israel launched a military operation in southern Lebanon.
NOW the spotlights are on on the “blue line”, that traced by the United Nations to separate southern Lebanon from northern Israel. Here lies the mission of UNIFIL: the United Nations interposition force responsible for monitoring and creating conditions of stability on the basis of resolution no. 1701 of 2006.
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How was the UNIFIL mission between Lebanon and Israel born?
The UNIFIL mission (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) was born in March 1978, after an attack on Israeli territory by a Palestinian militia. In response, Israeli armed forces invaded Lebanon, occupying the southern part. The stations were located there Hezbollah from which direct attacks against Israel began.
The UN Security Council approved resolutions no. 425 and 426 of 1978, by which it recommended to the parties the cessation of military actions and the withdrawal of Israeli troops and at the same time thecreation of an interposition force, UNIFIL, with a mandate to restore international peace and security. In addition, the mission was to help the Lebanese Government restore its effective authority in the southern zone controlled by Hezbollah.
From the beginning, UNIFIL began to fulfill its task of limiting the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel and protect the civilian population of the region.
Between May and June of 2000 Israeli soldiers withdrew completely. After their withdrawal, UNIFIL began patrolling (along with the Lebanese Armed Forces), demining the liberated area, defining the border line, or “blue line”, and providing assistance to the civilian population.
The new phase of UNIFIL
In July 2006, missile offensives resumed Hezbollah in Israeli territory. In response, Israel decided to invade Lebanese territory for the second time. During the 34 days of Israeli occupation, the mission played a mediating role to end hostilities and coordinated the joint deployment of Lebanese forces. As on August 14, 2006, a ceasefire reinforced by the unanimous approval of the Security Council of resolution n.1701 of the same year.
Since then the mission of UNIFIL takes on new surveillance tasks and promotes the arrival of humanitarian aid to the civilian population and the return of refugees. Finally, it began collaboration with the Lebanese Armed Forces for the disarmament of armed groups such as Hezbollah, especially in the southern area between the blue line and the Litani River.
The Italian presence in the UNIFIL mission
Currently, UNIFIL can count on 10,500 peacekeepers, international peacekeeping forces of the United Nations, coming from nearly 50 countries. The Italian contingent, with more than 1,068 soldiers, is the largest among those from European countries. The Italian base is located about forty kilometers to the southwest, in the town of Shama, in the province of Tire. Over the past years, Italy has taken command of the UNIFIL mission on several occasions, demonstrating strong leadership and constant commitment.
Since August 2, 2024, Italy has been represented by the Sassari Brigade (Sardinian mechanized infantry), led by General Stefano Messina. For the Sassari Brigade, this is the third mission in Lebanon after the six-month mandates of 2016 and 2020-21. THE dimonios (i.e. devils, a nickname used since the First World War by Austro-Hungarian troops to define Sardinian soldiers), developed a deep knowledge of local culture and traditions.
Over the past year, after October 7, 2023, our UNIFIL contingent implemented projects that brought solar panels and electricity to universities and schools in Tire and the south of the country . They participated in the distribution of humanitarian aid such as medicines, first aid kits, clothes and blankets for more than one hundred thousand people forced to flee their villages.
The presence in Lebanon ofItaly has existed for decades, becoming a reference point for the entire country. assignment. Further evidence of the importance of the Italian role in the mission is Minister Crosetto's reported request by the United States to send 200 carabinieri to Jericho, in the West Bank, to train the Palestinian police.
UNIFIL mediation does not stop
The presence of UNIFIL has always been fundamental in restoring the balance that has been broken several times. Much of the mediation efforts aimed at reducing tensions are carried out through dialogue with both the Lebanese army and authorities, as well as with Hezbollah and the Israeli army.
Their presence, more than ever, remains essential during this period, particularly for civilian populations. Andrea Tenenti, spokesperson for UNIFIL, told Ansa on October 2 that “The peacekeepers remain in their positions. And we are ready for any eventuality. The safety of our troops is paramount, but we are also here to protect civilians“.
UNIFIL mission reiterates that it will remain despite Israeli pressure and demands “Lebanon and Israel to renew their commitment to Security Council Resolution 1701, not only in words, but also in deeds, as the only viable solution to restore stability in the region. ».