A patrol from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon was blocked by residents from continuing its path in Bedias, in the district of Sour, on June 10, 2020. (Credit: Muntasser Abdallah)
BEIRUT — An altercation broke out Tuesday morning between residents of southern Lebanon and a patrol from the U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), prompting peacekeepers to use what they described as "non-lethal measures," including warning shots and tear gas.
The incident follows many of its kind, where residents block UNIFIL convoys if not accompanied by the Lebanese Army.
In a statement following the incident, UNIFIL urged Lebanese authorities to "take the necessary measures" to ensure its peacekeepers can "carry out their mission without hindrance or threat."
Residents said the confrontation began when a UNIFIL patrol entered farmland in the Bedias area, in the Sour district, without an escort from the Lebanese Army. Locals reportedly blocked the patrol’s passage, and after tensions escalated, the patrol withdrew.
Shortly afterward, a second UNIFIL convoy entered private property along the road between Halloussiyeh and Deir Qanoun al-Nahr and immediately blocked the road. Residents gathered at the scene in an attempt to force the convoy to leave, disrupted the movement of U.N. vehicles and reported that peacekeepers of fired into the air and deployed tear gas.
The Lebanese Army later intervened to de-escalate the situation.
No injuries according to UNIFIL
In a statement, UNIFIL said the patrol had been "planned and coordinated" with the Lebanese Army, but was confronted by "a group of individuals in civilian clothes" who tried to obstruct its movement using aggressive means, including throwing stones at peacekeepers. One peacekeeper was struck, the statement said, but no injuries were reported.
A video circulating online appeared to show a man in civilian clothing slapping a UNIFIL soldier. In response, the force said its personnel used "non-lethal measures" to ensure the safety of both the patrol and civilians at the scene, without specifying the methods employed.
Amid a series of similar confrontations in recent weeks, UNIFIL said it was "unacceptable that peacekeepers continue to be targeted." It again urged Lebanese authorities to take "all necessary measures" to allow its personnel to carry out their mandate without interference or threats.
The Lebanese Army later announced it had deployed units to Deir Qanoun al-Nahr and was working to identify and arrest those involved in the incident.
'Individual behavior'
For its part, the municipality of Bedias condemned the obstruction of the UNIFIL patrol, describing it as "individual behavior that we reject and that does not reflect the views of the village’s residents or those of the South."
In a statement, the municipality said the people of Bedias held "great respect and appreciation for UNIFIL and its role in maintaining security and stability in the region."
Politicians condemn clashes
Later in the day, Lebanon’s Foreign Affairs Ministry condemned “ the aggression against a UNIFIL soldier,” emphasizing the need to protect the safety of the mission’s personnel and equipment. The ministry called for the perpetrators to be prosecuted, saying the attack violated both Lebanese and international law. The ministry reiterated Lebanon’s support for UNIFIL, its mandate and operations as defined by U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701, which aims to maintain peace and stability in southern Lebanon.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the incident, saying that “this kind of behavior exposes south Lebanon to danger, threatens peace and stability, and undermines the national interest.”
“Lebanon is committed to renewing UNIFIL's mandate in order to move forward with the implementation of Resolution 1701 and maintain stability on its southern borders,” he added. The prime minister called on the security forces “to arrest as quickly as possible those who attacked UNIFIL in order to bring them to justice.”
Former President Michel Sleiman also expressed his indignation at this behavior, saying that “no one should give himself the right to harm Lebanon's relations and interests with the international community, especially the countries participating in UNIFIL.”
“I do not believe that Hezbollah's leadership is incapable of controlling supporters who are guilty of irresponsible behavior,” he added.
MP Fouad Makhzoumi (independent) told L'Orient Today that “the repeated attacks against the Blue Helmets are unacceptable, and likely to jeopardize stability and the ceasefire agreement.”
MP Ibrahim Mneimneh (protest), he stated that “attacks against UNIFIL only serve the enemy,” and called on Hezbollah “to stop hiding behind so-called civilians to evade its responsibilities.”
Former MP Fares Souhaid said that “the price of slapping the soldier of the International Force will be very high,” stating that “the local population doesn't realize what Hezbollah is doing to them.”
Former minister Wadih al-Khazen urged “respect for UNIFIL and its role in South Lebanon is not simply a political and legal duty, but a national commitment that serves the interests of Lebanon and the security of its inhabitants.”
The Amal Movement issued a statement reaffirming “the legitimacy of the resistance as a defensive force against any Israeli aggression, as well as the importance of respecting Security Council Resolution 1701, which stipulates a halt to Israeli aggression and withdrawal from our lands.”
Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri “emphasizes the role of the Blue Helmets in monitoring the cease-fire, in coordination and complementarity with the Lebanese Army.”
"The UNIFIL forces have always been and remain the international and concrete witness to Israeli aggression. This is why we must all mobilize to protect this international witness, who has become an integral part of the social fabric in the south," he added.
Confrontations between southern residents and UNIFIL have increased in recent weeks, despite a call for calm issued about two weeks ago by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, a Hezbollah ally. UNIFIL’s freedom of movement without a Lebanese Army escort has come under growing scrutiny in recent years, particularly amid pressure from Hezbollah.
Under Resolution 1701, UNIFIL is authorized to operate independently "in the areas where its forces are deployed." The force operates under Chapter VI of the U.N. Charter, which does not authorize the use of force to carry out its mandate. Meanwhile, the Lebanese Army lacks sufficient personnel to accompany all UNIFIL patrols at all times.
The latest tensions come ahead of a scheduled U.N. vote in August to renew the force’s mandate. The mandate’s future has drawn attention following reports in the Israeli press suggesting the United States and Israel may oppose its renewal. A U.S. diplomatic source told L’Orient-Le Jour that reports of a U.S. veto were "inaccurate."