AJC Statement on UNIFIL and Current Situation in Lebanon

The injuries sustained by several UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) troops are deeply concerning. Every possible measure must be taken to prevent further incidents. We trust that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will continue to seek the safety of all personnel while investigating previous incidents involving peacekeepers.

UN Security Council Resolution 1701 mandates that UNIFIL's main responsibility is to confirm the disarming of Hezbollah and to prevent further hostilities in southern Lebanon. However, despite this mandate, Hezbollah has significantly expanded its military presence over the years. Hezbollah continues to operate with impunity, including stockpiling weapons and constructing tunnels-often within sight of UNIFIL personnel. The fact that Hezbollah has launched more than 12,400 missiles at Israel since October 8, 2023, is the most obvious example underscoring the failure of the UN peacekeeping mission to meet its core objectives.

Amid Israel's efforts to defend itself from Hezbollah's attacks, UNIFIL peacekeepers-including troops from France, Italy, and other nations-are in increasing danger without achieving the intended security outcomes. For the safety of the UNIFIL forces, the UN should exercise responsibility and move these peacekeepers until Israel achieves what UNIFIL has been unable to implement: the establishment of a safe zone free of heavily armed Hezbollah terrorists on Lebanon's southern border.

For years, Israel has provided evidence of Hezbollah's violations, calling on the Security Council to ensure the implementation of its resolutions, in particular Resolution 1701. Unfortunately, these warnings have been ignored, allowing Hezbollah to maintain and grow its armed presence in southern Lebanon. This ongoing failure has become increasingly costly for the region, as Hezbollah's unchecked military activities now threaten not only Israeli security but also regional stability.

AJC calls on UNIFIL and the international community to work with Israel in ensuring that peacekeeping forces are not put at unnecessary risk. Israel's objective is to eliminate the threat posed by Hezbollah, and ensuring the security of its northern border should be a shared priority for all who seek lasting peace and stability in the region.

AJC has long advocated for a reassessment of UNIFIL's mandate and operations. As recently as last August, UNIFIL's mandate was simply renewed without the necessary adjustments to address the growing threat posed by Hezbollah. Without meaningful reforms, UNIFIL will continue to fall short of its mandate.

AJC is the global advocacy organization for the Jewish people. With headquarters in New York, 25 regional offices across the United States, 15 overseas posts, as well as partnerships with 38 Jewish community organizations worldwide, AJC's mission is to enhance the well-being of the Jewish people and Israel and to advance human rights and democratic values in the United States and around the world. For more, please visit www.ajc.org.

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