People drive on a motorbike near a UN peacekeepers (UNIFIL) vehicle in Khiam, near the border with Israel, in southern Lebanon July 12, 2023. (Credit: REUTERS/Aziz Taher)
In a report published Saturday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned of an "escalation with serious consequences" at the border between Lebanon and Israel if various parties did not put an end to their violations of the Blue Line.
"I reiterate my appeal to all parties to fully implement Resolution 1701 (2006), to cease these violations, and to respect the cessation of hostilities," called Guterres in his report.
The UN Security Council will consult on Resolution 1701 next Friday.
"Continued incidents and posturing near the Blue Line, including firing in the air, the use of smoke and stun grenades, weapons pointing, and stone-throwing, are of concern. Direct stand-offs between the Israel Defense Forces and the Lebanese Armed Forces as well as between individuals and the Israel Defense Forces have the potential to lead to escalation, with serious consequences," Guterres warned.
He further condemned "all violations of Lebanese sovereignty'' and called on Israel ''to cease all overflights of Lebanese territory."
The situation along the Blue Line has become tense in recent weeks, marked by an exchange of mortar and rocket fire, as well as shots fired at Hezbollah fighters.
The UN Secretary-General expressed his concern about the presence of unauthorized weapons in the area between the Litani River and the Blue Line.
"The presence and active use of weapons in firing ranges outside the control of the State represents a grave violation of resolution 1701," said Guterres.
He called on the Lebanese Army to "facilitate access by UNIFIL to locations requested as part of its investigations," and on the Lebanese government to take all necessary measures to ensure that there are no weapons other than those possessed by the state.
The annexation of Ghajar
The Secretary-General also called on the Israeli authorities to ''fulfill their obligation'' to withdraw from northern Ghajar, urging them to "redouble their political efforts" to resolve the issue.
Israel forcibly absorbed Ghajar into its territory at the beginning of July. The disputed Alawite village, located on the border between Lebanon and the Syrian Golan Heights and intersected by the Blue Line, was completely cut off from Lebanon after the Israeli army built a fence to the north of the village.
Guterres also called for the "perpetrators of attacks against UNIFIL, including those responsible for the killing of a peacekeeper and injuries to three others in the attack on a UNIFIL convoy near Aqibiyah on Dec. 14, 2022, to be brought to justice," recalling the indictment against several members of Hezbollah.
The UN Secretary-General took exception to the "unsustainable political status quo," while Lebanon has been without a president for several months.
"While long-term solutions must be Lebanese, the enduring commitment of the international donor community to respond to the growing humanitarian needs and socio-economic challenges of the Lebanese people remains critical," he said.
The report, published by Guterres, is a comprehensive assessment of the implementation of Resolution 1701 since his previous report in March.
It will be the subject of closed consultations at the Security Council scheduled for Friday to hear presentations on the situation in the country from UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Joanna Wronecka and Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix.