Israel's Dispute with the UN Over Lebanon Peacekeepers Stems from Long-standing Distrust
Tensions between Israel and the United Nations over peacekeeping operations in southern Lebanon have intensified recently, rooted in years of mistrust. The latest clash centers around Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s demand that UN peacekeeping forces, known as UNIFIL, withdraw from “combat areas.” UNIFIL, tasked with maintaining peace along the Israel-Lebanon border, has been a point of contention for years.
UNIFIL was established in 1978 following Israel’s invasion of southern Lebanon. Its mandate expanded in 2006 after the war between Israel and Hezbollah to oversee peace and ensure no armed forces, aside from the Lebanese army, operated in southern Lebanon, as per UN Security Council Resolution 1701. However, Israeli officials argue that UNIFIL has failed in its duties, accusing the force of turning a blind eye to Hezbollah’s rearmament and militarization.
A recent social media post from Israeli cabinet minister Eli Cohen highlighted these frustrations, calling the UN a “failed organization” and UNIFIL “useless” in enforcing Resolution 1701. Israel asserts that Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militant group, has grown into a significant military presence in southern Lebanon, operating freely and allegedly preparing for attacks on Israel right under UNIFIL’s watch. Israel, along with advocacy groups like UN Watch, claims that Hezbollah has been able to build tunnels and stockpile weapons without intervention from UNIFIL.
Netanyahu, in a direct video message to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, emphasized Israel’s concern, accusing Hezbollah of using UN peacekeepers as “human shields” and endangering both Israeli soldiers and UN personnel. He demanded the withdrawal of UNIFIL forces from conflict areas, arguing that their presence makes them vulnerable and complicates Israeli military operations.
The call has been met with a strong refusal from the UN. A UNIFIL spokesperson accused Israel of deliberately targeting its positions during recent incidents where Israeli fire struck UNIFIL bases. Over 40 nations contributing troops to UNIFIL condemned the attacks, reaffirming their support for the mission. The UN Security Council also expressed concerns about the safety of peacekeepers, calling for all parties to respect their security.
Beyond Lebanon, Israel’s relationship with the UN remains strained due to accusations of bias against the country. In Gaza, Israel’s military operations against Hamas have been a focal point of criticism from UN bodies. The United Nations Human Rights Office recently condemned Israeli military actions in Gaza, accusing the Israeli Defense Forces of trapping civilians and cutting off access to essential supplies. Israel counters that it has issued warnings for civilians to evacuate and that Hamas is deliberately preventing people from leaving conflict zones.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has also been targeted by Israeli officials. Following the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel, which left around 1,200 Israelis dead, Israel accused several UNRWA personnel of being involved. Out of its 13,000-member workforce, 12 have been implicated. Israel’s UN ambassador, Danny Danon, has called for an end to UNRWA’s operations, claiming the organization has been infiltrated by Hamas.
The Israeli government is pushing legislation that would ban UNRWA from operating in Israel, which could significantly impact humanitarian efforts in Gaza and the West Bank. UNRWA’s head, Philippe Lazzarini, warned that such a move could lead to the collapse of humanitarian services in Gaza, which relies on the agency for critical needs such as healthcare, education, and social services.
Despite growing tensions, Israel continues its military objectives, particularly in Gaza and southern Lebanon, while maintaining a close alliance with the United States. In an unprecedented move, Israel recently barred the UN Secretary-General from entering the country, accusing him of failing to adequately condemn Iran’s missile attacks on Israel. While Guterres has since clarified his stance, the ban remains, underscoring the widening rift between Israel and the UN.
Though the UN played a pivotal role in Israel’s founding in 1947, its relationship with the organization has hit an all-time low, with no immediate signs of reconciliation.
