UNIFIL peacekeepers, on May 29, 2025, during the annual day marking U.N. peacekeepers worldwide, in Naqoura, southern Lebanon. (Credit: Mahmoud Zayyat/AFP)
As is the case every year ahead of the renewal of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mandate, tensions begin to rise.But this time, the renewal, scheduled for August, comes under markedly different circumstances, with the Lebanese Army having nearly completed the dismantling of Hezbollah’s arsenal in southern Lebanon. It also comes amid a surge in confrontations between U.N. peacekeeping patrols and “residents,” believed to be affiliated with Hezbollah.These incidents have prompted UNIFIL to raise its tone. On Monday, the mission’s spokesperson, Andrea Tenenti, emphasized that “the peacekeepers operate in accordance with U.N. Resolution 1701,” which is the foundation of the November cease-fire. Tenenti said that “UNIFIL is authorized to carry out independent activities within its area of operations.”By mobilizing local...
As is the case every year ahead of the renewal of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mandate, tensions begin to rise.But this time, the renewal, scheduled for August, comes under markedly different circumstances, with the Lebanese Army having nearly completed the dismantling of Hezbollah’s arsenal in southern Lebanon. It also comes amid a surge in confrontations between U.N. peacekeeping patrols and “residents,” believed to be affiliated with Hezbollah.These incidents have prompted UNIFIL to raise its tone. On Monday, the mission’s spokesperson, Andrea Tenenti, emphasized that “the peacekeepers operate in accordance with U.N. Resolution 1701,” which is the foundation of the November cease-fire. Tenenti said that “UNIFIL is authorized to carry out independent activities within its area of operations.”By...