Four Decades of UNIFIL: Mandates, Contributions and Challenges

Established in 1978 with the objective of ensuring Israeli withdrawal from South Lebanon, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has been a key factor in maintaining stability along the Blue Line between Israel and Lebanon since then. There are divergent views on the achievements of the mission after more than four decades of its deployment. While UNIFIL’s contribution towards maintaining stability and preventing conflicts in the region has been widely acknowledged, it has also drawn criticism from different quarters including Israel and Hezbollah over its role, efficacy and achievements. Amid the continuing tensions along the Israel–Lebanon border, its role has become indispensable for maintaining peace and stability in the region. The key actors—Israel, Lebanon and Hezbollah—have their own set of interests and issues with the UNIFIL, which create challenges for the peacekeeping force to achieve its mandates. Despite the achievements and success in collaborating with the key players involved in the conflict, UNIFIL continues to face massive challenges that hinder it in performing its responsibilities.