UNIFIL Must Stop Hezbollah in Lebanon

On August 18, 2020, IDF Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Aviv Kohavi addressed recent developments on Hezbollah and Lebanon in light of the United Nations Security Council’s upcoming decision on the renewal of the UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon) mandate. 

“Hezbollah is a clear example of an enemy that has taken control deep within their territory, growing into a terror army that operates in Beirut, the Beqaa Valley, and  southern Lebanon,” Lt. Gen. Aviv Kohavi said in a speech at IDF Headquarters in Tel Aviv. “They relentlessly violate international agreements, including United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. Hezbollah continues to grow and is arming itself with precision weaponry to harm the State of Israel. 

“The operational tension and the terror attacks at Mount Dov illustrate Hezbollah's intentions while also demonstrating the indifference by the Lebanese Government: Hezbollah increases its arsenal and capabilities in southern Lebanon, violating the resolution that outlaws non-governmental arms south of the Litani River while preventing the ability of UNIFIL forces to supervise.

“Regarding issues relating to security, there is no government in Lebanon. It subjugates itself to Hezbollah and renders itself null and void by allowing them to hollow out Resolution 1701.

“The mandate that UNIFIL was given to enforce the resolution is meaningless and does not deter Hezbollah nor the state of Lebanon. Moreover, the Lebanese government interferes in UNIFIL's missions, and in the same way that there was Lebanese inaction regarding the ammonium stores, they waver in the face the tens of thousands of rockets placed within civilian villages, underneath buildings, and in storage facilities around residential areas.

“UNIFIL’s actions are ineffective in their current form and the time has come to significantly increase their resources and authority. In tandem, it is mandatory to demand that the Lebanese government govern, rule, and control what is taking place in Lebanon as it relates to terrorism and arms.

“The latest events in the various arenas are a constant reminder of the fragility of the region and the importance of the IDF's steadfast readiness, vigilance, and proficiency.”