Those discussions come at a time of escalating attacks between Israel and Hezbollah, an armed group that along with its allies holds 62 of the 128 democratically elected seats in Lebanon’s parliament.
Here’s what you need to know about the crucial resolution that has been a pillar of peace between Israel and Lebanon for nearly two decades and the 10,000 U.N. peacekeepers tasked with implementing it on the ground .
The Security Council unanimously passed resolution 1701 in 2006. (file)
The Council acts to prevent war
Passed unanimously in 2006The purpose of resolution 1701 continues to be to end the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, with the Council calling for a permanent ceasefire based on the creation of a buffer zone.
In accordance with the resolution, the Council decided to take steps to ensure peace, among them authorizing the strengthening of the force of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIT) up to a maximum of 15,000 troops who, among other tasks, will oversee the cessation of hostilities, support the Lebanese armed forces as Israel withdraws from southern Lebanon and ensure the safe return of those must evacuate.
The UN mission will also continue to be renewed annually authoritywhich Council established in 1978.
United Nations peacekeepers patrol the Green Line in El Odeisse, southern Lebanon in 2023. (file)
What are the key provisions of the resolution?
Key elements of the 19-paragraph resolution include: Security Councilcalls for a complete cessation of hostilities, especially on the basis of the immediate cessation of all attacks by Hezbollah and by Israel of all offensive military operations.
The resolution calls on Israel and Lebanon to support a lasting ceasefire and a lasting solution based on the following principles and factors:
- fully comply with relevant regulations Taif Agreement and resolutions 1559 (2004) and 1680 (2006), which demand the disarmament of all armed groups in Lebanon, so that there will be no weapons or power in any country other than the State of Lebanon
- There are no foreign forces in Lebanon without the consent of the Government
- Do not sell or supply weapons and related equipment to Lebanon unless authorized by the Government of this country
- provide the United Nations with all remaining mine maps in Lebanon in Israeli possession
- both sides fully respected the Green Line and security arrangements aimed at preventing the resumption of hostilities, including an area free of armed personnel, assets and weapons other than those of the government Lebanon and UNIFIL between the Green Line and the Litani River
Watch UNIFIL’s 60-second explainer video on Blue Line This.
What is the blue line?
Stretching 120km along Lebanon’s southern border and Israel’s northern border, the so-called “Blue Line” is “the key to peace in the region” and one of the central elements of resolution 1701. since the 2006 war, with UNIFIL peacekeepers as its force. temporary guardian, according to the United Nations Peacekeeping Forces.
Based on various historical maps, some dating back nearly a century, the Green Line is not a border but a temporary “retreat line” established by the United Nations in 2000 for real purposes. actually confirming the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon.
Whenever the Israeli or Lebanese authorities want to carry out any activities near the Green Line, UNIFIL requires them to provide advance notice, allowing the UN delegation to notify the authorities of all parties, in order to Minimize any misunderstandings that could lead to increased tension.
United Nations peacekeepers explain more about the Blue Line This.
UNIFIL and Lebanese officers operate one of the “Blue Barrels”, which define the Blue Line, in southern Lebanon in 2010. (file)
How is Resolution 1701 implemented?
Ultimately, it is up to Israel and Lebanon to determine the exact path of the future border, according to the United Nations Peacekeeping Force, and in the meantime, UNIFIL is authorized ensure full respect and prevent violations of the relevant provisions of resolution 1701.
According to the United Nations Peacekeeping Forces, any side crossing the Blue Line constitutes a violation of United Nations Security Council resolution 1701 and as UNIFIL, we deal with any violation in the same manner.
UNIFIL monitors the Blue Line, including the airspace above it, and through coordination, communication and patrols prevents violations, and reports any violations to the Security Council. The Council has requested continued reporting on the implementation of resolution 1701 every four months.
Whenever an incident occurs on the Blue Line, UNIFIL will immediately deploy additional troops to that location if necessary to avoid direct conflict between the two sides and ensure the situation is contained. At the same time, the country contacted the Lebanese Armed Forces and the Israel Defense Forces to reverse and end the situation without any escalation.
A UNIFIL convoy departs from Naqoura to visit its entire area of operations in southern Lebanon in July 2024. (file)
Current situation on the ground
Hostilities along and across the Green Line have escalated in nearly a year after Hamas-led attacks in Israel left more than 1,000 people dead and another 250 held hostage in Gaza, where the war followed. and ongoing has seen Israel’s military operations cause a humanitarian crisis while killing. nearly 42,000 people, more than 200 humanitarian workers and nearly 200 journalists, as of October 1.
While Hezbollah told the media that its attacks against Israel were to show solidarity with the Palestinians facing that brutal war, the Israeli armed forces responded in turn. with airstrikes deep into Lebanon, booby-trapped pager attacks and now a ground invasion, which has recently left more than a million people in Lebanon. Media reports that the ongoing violence has displaced about 60,000 people in northern Israel.
According to a report, the continued gunfight on the Green Line since October 8, 2023 is a multiple violation of the ceasefire and a violation of resolution 1701. letters The UN Secretary-General sent it to the Security Council at the end of July.
From October 8, 2023 to June 30, 2024, UNIFIL detected 15,101 orbits, of which 12,459 were from south to north of the Blue Line and 2,642 were from north to south. While most firefights were limited to a few kilometers on either side of the Green Line, some attacks reached as far as 130 kilometers into Lebanon and 30 kilometers into Israel.
UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix concluded a stop in Lebanon during his trip to the Middle East earlier this year, during which he strongly emphasized the need for de-escalation and returned to end the hostilities. (document)
What now?
On September 30, the Israel Defense Forces informed UNIFIL of its intention to carry out limited ground attacks on Lebanon, according to a report. declare issued by the United Nations delegation on Tuesday.
Resolution 1701 is the only viable solution to bring stability to this region
“Despite this dangerous development, peacekeeping forces remain in their current positions,” UNFIL said. “We regularly adjust our posture and activities, and we have contingency plans ready to activate if absolutely necessary.”
The United Nations Mission reiterated that the safety and security of peacekeepers is paramount and all participants are reminded of their obligation to respect it. At this time, UNIFIL forces continued to staff their bases and complete a number of missions. Currently, they cannot conduct vehicle patrols.
According to reports, orders to evacuate civilians in several villages in the area were issued by Israel. Meanwhile, the United Nations has reiterated that the lives of civilians must be protected whether they stay or go.
“Any border crossing into Lebanon violates the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon and violates resolution 1701,” UNIFIL said. “We call on all sides to step back from such escalations, which will only lead to more violence and bloodshed. The price to pay for continuing to act now is too high.”
Declaring that civilians must be protected, civilian infrastructure must not be targeted and international law must be respected, UNFIL said “we strongly call on parties to recommit to the Security Council Resolution and 1701 as the only viable solution to bring about stability in this region. ”
UNIFIL peacekeepers patrol by vehicle in the vicinity of Tire, southern Lebanon. (document)
Can UNIFIL use force?
Yes, in certain cases.
Renewed annual by the Council at the request of Lebanon, UNIFIL is a peacekeeping mission operating under Chapter 6 of the Agreement UN Charter.
In carrying out their duties, UNIFIL personnel may exercise their inherent right of self-defense. In addition to the use of force other than for self-defense purposes, UNIFIL may, under certain circumstances and conditions, use force at a proportionate and progressive level to:
- ensure that its area of operations is not used for hostile activities
- resist attempts by strong measures to prevent UNIFIL from carrying out its mandate as authorized by the Council
- protect United Nations personnel, facilities, installations and equipment
- ensure security and freedom of movement of UN staff and humanitarian workers
- protect civilians from the imminent threat of physical violence
Read the full text of resolution 1701 This.
