Lebanon’s Aoun backs continued UNIFIL presence in south
President Joseph Aoun welcomed a parliamentary initiative and petition calling for the extension of the international forces’ mandate in southern Lebanon.
“The presence of UNIFIL in the south is important for numerous reasons, and it helps stabilise the population in their villages and towns, and enhance stability through cooperation and coordination with the Lebanese Army,” he said according to post by his office on X.
“Our first option is to extend UNIFIL forces, and in the event of no extension for them, the second option is to adopt a formula that ensures the continuation of the presence of international forces in the south, within the required legal framework, with these forces being alongside the Lebanese Army and in coordination with it, in support of stability and the implementation of the tasks entrusted to it.”
Aoun said Israel opposes UNIFIL’s presence and has been pressuring for its removal for nearly a year, while Lebanon is seeking its continuation.
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Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon
- Israeli forces have conducted search operations using machineguns around the town of Haddatha in the Bint Jbeil district, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency.
- Israeli forces also dropped bombs in the village of al-Mansouri, in the Tyre district.
- In the Al-Dabsheh area, on the outskirts of Nabatieh al-Fawqa village, an Israeli drone dropped explosives on unclear targets.
- Israeli forces have meanwhile used artillery shelling on areas in the village of Zawtar al-Sharqiyah.
- Shelling was also reported in the town of Aitaroun and the village of Bani Haiyyan.
- In the village of Khiam, Israeli military vehicles were seen moving eastwards; at the same time, machinegun fire was heard in the town and on its outskirts.
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UNIFIL records ‘marked increase’ in Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon
The United Nations peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon (UNIFIL) says “the past two weeks have seen a marked increase in Israeli military activity in south Lebanon”.
“Between 5 and 16 August, UNIFIL recorded an average of 137 projectiles per day, including 208 on Saturday and 185 on Sunday”, it posted on X.
“As tensions rise, civilians are once again paying the highest price, with many families displaced or forced to change their daily routines because of insecurity and uncertainty.”
UNIFIL’s mandate began in 1978 during the Lebanese civil war and is set to expire at the end of the year.
Devastated by war with Israel in which thousands have been killed, domestic and international support for peacekeepers remains. However, if another force is created once the UNIFIL mandate expires, it will likely have fewer troops and be part of a regional agreement.
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Lebanese MPs deliver petition to president urging UNIFIL stay as Israeli violations mount
A group of Lebanese legislators has delivered a petition to President Joseph Aoun, signed by 86 lawmakers, more than two-thirds of the legislature, calling for the continuation of the UN’s peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon, UNIFIL.
In a meeting at Baabda Palace, a 20-member parliamentary delegation handed the president a comprehensive file containing the petition and supporting documents, MP Adib Abdel Massih said on X.
The lawmakers stressed that UNIFIL’s role had become increasingly critical in light of escalating Israeli aggression, repeated border breaches, and targeted strikes that jeopardise the security of southern residents and their right to return to their homes and live in stability.
The delegation handed over the petition alongside related documentation, underscoring what they described as robust parliamentary backing for UNIFIL’s extended mandate and for reinforcing international coordination with the Lebanese army.
UNIFIL, or the UN Interim Force in Lebanon, has been deployed since 1978 under UN Security Council Resolution 1701 to monitor the ceasefire along the Lebanese-Israeli border and support the Lebanese army in the south of the country.
Israel has pressed for UNIFIL’s withdrawal, arguing that it failed to prevent Hezbollah’s rearmament, while Lebanon insists on the force’s continuation.
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".. to prevent Hezbollah’s rearmament, .."
Summary of UNIFIL's tasks
Monitor Ceasefires: Watch for and report any violations of the cessation of hostilities and Security Council Resolution 1701.
Patrol the Blue Line: Monitor the 120-kilometer border (the Blue Line) between Lebanon and Israel through daily patrols.
Support Lebanese Forces: Accompany and assist the Lebanese Armed Forces as they deploy troops throughout southern Lebanon.
Aide Civilians: Help ensure humanitarian access for civilian populations and assist in the safe return of displaced persons.
De-escalate Tensions: Maintain direct 24/7 communication channels with both the Israeli and Lebanese militaries to prevent misunderstandings and local conflicts from growing.
".. to prevent misunderstandings and local conflicts from growing."
This doesn't read as including the Israeli "to prevent Hezbollah's rearmament." UNIFIL would then practically getting involved.
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