UNIFIL Mission extended with Some Additional Capabilities and Responsibilities

The mandate for UNIFIL – The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon that was established in 1978 – has been extended for another year, albeit with slight but significant alterations to its role in recognition of Israeli demands, backed by vigorous efforts by the American UN ambassador. Israel has been demanding action by the peacekeepers to prevent the militarization of Lebanon in violation of Security Council Resolution 1701 which ended the 2006 Lebanon War. Its terms, prohibiting armed units other than the Lebanese army and banning activity by the Iranian terror proxy Hizbullah in south Lebanon, have been flouted unabashedly since it was enacted. Today, some 100,000 missiles are aimed at the Jewish state and homes throughout southern Lebanon secret arms caches and rockets for eventual use against Israel. While many argue it’s too little, too late, the UNIFIL force will now be required to act against Hizbullah violations, increase reporting to the Security Council. It will also be required to tour southern Lebanon where Hizbullah is illegally operating and report instances where the terrorist group denies access to the UNIFIL team. Last week, US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley castigated the UNIFIL commander, saying he must be the only one who doesn’t see Hizbullah’s presence.