These discussions come at a time when attacks are escalating between Israel and Hezbollah, an armed group that, together with its allies, controls 62 of the 128 democratically elected seats in the Lebanese parliament.
Here’s what you need to know about the critical resolution that has been at the heart of peace between Israel and Lebanon for nearly two decades, and the 10,000 U.N. peacekeepers tasked with implementing it on the ground.
UN photo/Evan Schneider
The Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 1701 in 2006. (file)
The Council acts to stop the war
Adopted unanimously in 2006resolution 1701 remains the objective of ending hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, with the Council calling for a permanent ceasefire based on the establishment of a buffer zone.
With the resolution, the Council decided to take steps to ensure peace, including authorizing an increase in the strength of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) of up to 15,000 troops who would, among other things, oversee the cessation of hostilities, support the Lebanese Armed Forces as Israel withdrew from southern Lebanon and ensure the safe return of displaced persons.
The UN mission would also be extended annually mandatethat the Council founded in 1978.
What are the main provisions of the resolution?
Key elements of the 19-paragraph resolution include the Security Council‘s call for a complete cessation of hostilities, based in particular on the immediate cessation by Hezbollah of all attacks and by Israel of all offensive military operations.
The resolution called on Israel and Lebanon to support a permanent ceasefire and a long-term solution based on the following principles and elements:
- full implementation of the relevant provisions of the Taif chords and of resolutions 1559 (2004) and 1680 (2006), which require the disarmament of all armed groups in Lebanon, so that there will be no weapons or authority in any country other than that of the Lebanese state
- no foreign troops in Lebanon without government permission
- no sale or supply of arms and related materiel to Lebanon except as authorized by the government
- provision to the UN of all remaining landmine maps in Lebanon in Israel’s possession
- full respect by both sides for the Blue Line and security arrangements to prevent the resumption of hostilities, including an area free of armed personnel, assets and weapons other than those of the Lebanese authorities and UNIFIL between the Blue Line and the Lithuania river
Watch UNIFIL’s 60-second video explanation on the Blue Line here.
What is the blue line?
The so-called ‘Blue Line’, which stretches 120 kilometers along Lebanon’s southern border and Israel’s northern border, is ‘a key to peace in the region’ and one of the central elements of Resolution 1701 since the war in 2006, with UNIFIL peacekeepers as its support base. temporary custodian, according to UN peacekeeping.
Based on several historical maps, some of which are almost a century old, the Blue Line is not a border but a temporary “disengagement line” established by the UN in 2000 for the practical purpose of halting the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon. to confirm.
Whenever the Israeli or Lebanese authorities intend to undertake activities near the Blue Line, UNIFIL requests that they be notified in advance so that the UN Mission can keep the authorities informed on all sides, to avoid any misunderstandings that could lead to increased tensions could be kept to a minimum.
UN Peacekeeping further explains the Blue Line here.
UN photo/Pasqual Gorriz
UNIFIL and Lebanese officers operate one of the “Blue Barrels”, which define the Blue Line, in southern Lebanon in 2010. (file)
How is Resolution 1701 implemented?
Ultimately, it is up to Israel and Lebanon to determine the exact path of a future border, UN peacekeeping said, and in the meantime UNIFIL has been mandated to ensure full respect for and prevention of violations of the relevant provisions of resolution 1701.
“Any crossing of the Blue Line by any party constitutes a violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and as UNIFIL we address all violations equally,” UN peacekeeping said.
UNIFIL monitors the Blue Line, including the airspace above, and through coordination, contacts and patrols to prevent violations, and reports all violations to the Security Council. The Council has requested to report every four months on the implementation of resolution 1701.
When an incident occurs across the Blue Line, UNIFIL will immediately deploy additional troops to that location if necessary to avoid direct conflict between the two sides and ensure that the situation remains under control. At the same time, it is maintaining contacts with the Lebanese Armed Forces and the Israeli Army to reverse the situation and end it without any escalation.
Current situation on site
Hostilities along and across the Blue Line have been escalating for nearly a year after Hamas-led attacks in Israel left more than 1,000 dead and another 250 taken hostage in Gaza, where the ensuing and ongoing war has seen Israeli military operations have caused a humanitarian crisis while causing deaths. almost 42,000 people, more than 200 humanitarian workers and almost 200 journalists, on October 1.
While Hezbollah has told the media that its attacks on Israel are intended to show solidarity with Palestinians facing that devastating war, Israeli forces have in turn retaliated with airstrikes deep into Lebanon, booby-trapped pager attacks and now a ground invasion , which recently left more than a million people in Lebanon. According to media reports, the ongoing violence has displaced approximately 60,000 people in northern Israel.
Continued exchanges of fire across the Blue Line since October 8, 2023 have repeatedly violated the cessation of hostilities and violated Resolution 1701, a statement said. letter the UN Secretary General sent to the Security Council at the end of July.
Between October 8, 2023 and June 30, 2024, UNIFIL detected 15,101 trajectories, of which 12,459 were from south to north of the Blue Line and 2,642 from north to south. While most firefights have been confined to a few kilometers on either side of the Blue Line, several attacks have spread as far as 130 km into Lebanon and 30 km into Israel.
What now?
On September 30, the Israeli military informed UNIFIL of their intention to undertake limited ground incursions into Lebanon. statement issued on Tuesday by the UN mission.
Resolution 1701 is the only viable solution to restore stability to this region
“Despite this dangerous development, peacekeepers remain in position,” UNFIL said. “We regularly adjust our posture and activities, and we have contingency plans in place that we can activate if absolutely necessary.”
The UN mission reiterated that the safety and security of peacekeepers is of paramount importance, and all actors are reminded of their obligation to respect it. At this time, UNIFIL forces continue to man their bases and perform a number of duties. At this time they are unable to conduct vehicle patrols.
According to reports, Israel has issued orders for civilians to evacuate some villages in the area. Meanwhile, the UN has reiterated that civilian lives must be protected whether they stay or leave.
“Any crossing into Lebanon is a violation of Lebanese sovereignty and territorial integrity, and a violation of resolution 1701,” UNIFIL said. “We urge all actors to distance themselves from such escalating acts, which will only lead to more violence and more bloodshed. The price for continuing the current course of action is too high.”
UNFIL stated that civilians must be protected, civilian infrastructure must not be targeted and international law must be respected. “We strongly urge the parties to recommit to the Security Council resolutions and 1701 as the only viable solution to restore stability in this region. ”
© VN photo/Pasqual Gorriz
UNIFIL peacekeepers on a vehicle patrol in the Tyre area, southern Lebanon. (file)
Can UNIFIL use force?
Yes, in certain circumstances.
Renewed annual by the Council at the request of Lebanon, UNIFIL is a peacekeeping mission operating under Chapter 6 of the UN Charter.
In carrying out their mandate, UNIFIL personnel may exercise their inherent right to self-defense. In addition to the use of force beyond self-defense, UNIFIL may, under certain circumstances and conditions, resort to proportionate and gradual use of force to:
- to ensure that its area of operations is not used for hostile activities
- strongly opposes attempts to prevent UNIFIL from carrying out its functions under the mandate approved by the Council
- protect UN personnel, facilities, installations and equipment
- guarantee the safety and freedom of movement of UN personnel and humanitarian workers
- protect citizens under imminent threat of physical violence
Read the full text of resolution 1701 here.
