The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has stepped up cooperation with the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) in southern Lebanon, reinforcing security measures in line with UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
The resolution, adopted in 2006, called for a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah and mandated the deployment of UN peacekeepers to support Lebanese sovereignty in the south.
In recent days, the Lebanese Army has expanded its presence to more than 120 positions across southern Lebanon, a move welcomed by UNIFIL as a demonstration of state authority in a region long vulnerable to instability.
According to UNIFIL officials, the redeployment is part of a broader strategy to ensure that the LAF maintains primary responsibility for security, while UN peacekeepers provide operational support.
UNIFIL’s mandate includes patrolling the Blue Line, the UN-demarcated line of withdrawal for Israeli forces, and monitoring potential violations.
The mission also undertakes clearance of unexploded ordnance and cluster munitions, which remain a threat to civilian communities. These activities are conducted jointly with the Lebanese Army to build trust and enhance operational efficiency.
A UNIFIL spokesperson emphasised that the mission’s role is not only military but also humanitarian, noting that “our presence is designed to prevent escalation and to reassure communities living in proximity to the Blue Line.” The spokesperson added that cooperation with the LAF is essential to ensuring long-term stability.
Lebanese officials have described the redeployment as a significant step towards consolidating national control in the south.
Analysts suggest that the move is also intended to demonstrate Lebanon’s commitment to international obligations under Resolution 1701, particularly at a time of heightened regional tensions.
The Blue Line, while not an official border, remains a sensitive area where incidents have the potential to spark wider conflict. UNIFIL’s monitoring and mediation efforts are therefore seen as critical in preventing misunderstandings between Lebanon and Israel.
The latest developments come amid renewed international attention on Lebanon’s security challenges, with regional observers noting that the reinforcement of LAF positions could help deter armed groups from exploiting gaps in state authority.
As UNIFIL and the Lebanese Army continue to coordinate, the mission underscores the importance of international cooperation in maintaining peace in volatile regions. The strengthened deployment is expected to reassure local communities and reinforce Lebanon’s sovereignty in the south.
Sources: UNIFIL, United Nations Digital Library
