The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was established in 1978 with high hopes: to oversee Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon, restore international peace, and help Lebanon reassert authority over its southern regions.
Decades later, UNIFIL has not only failed to achieve these goals but has also become a silent witness—and complicit enabler—of terrorist Hezbollah’s entrenchment in southern Lebanon. It is time to confront this failure and terminate UNIFIL’s mandate, replacing it with initiatives that address the root causes of this instability.
Hezbollah’s stranglehold on southern Lebanon
Southern Lebanon, under Hezbollah’s de facto control, is a hotbed of terrorist activity disguised as civilian operations. Fundamental freedom of movement is restricted, particularly in areas where Hezbollah’s military infrastructure is known to exist. UNIFIL patrols have been regularly obstructed by Hezbollah operatives in the area, who block roads and confiscate cameras to prevent documentation of their activities.
Hezbollah’s dominance extends beyond physical obstruction. By embedding itself into the fabric of Lebanese society, the group has successfully manipulated international peacekeeping efforts. “Civilians” near the Israeli border, often observed photographing military installations, are undoubtedly Hezbollah operatives, yet UNIFIL is instructed to withdraw rather than confront them. The fear of repercussions and a lack of precise enforcement mechanisms have rendered UNIFIL completely powerless.
UNIFIL’s complicity: Aiding Hezbollah’s expansion
UNIFIL’s ineffectiveness has often crossed into complicity with terrorism. Incidents such as the 2000 abduction of three Israeli soldiers, witnessed and filmed by UNIFIL personnel, call attention to the mission’s failures. Not only did UNIFIL refrain from intervening in this incident, but it also withheld critical evidence that could have assisted in the soldiers’ recovery.
In another damning revelation, interrogations of Hezbollah operatives during Israel’s ongoing military operations indicate that some UNIFIL personnel may have been bribed to provide surveillance assistance. Testimonies reveal that Hezbollah accessed UNIFIL’s cameras and used its positions for military operations, undermining the very purpose of the mission.
The Italian example: A troubling precedent
Italy’s role in UNIFIL typifies the problematic compromises made by contributing nations to the mission. Former Italian President Francesco Cossiga openly admitted that Italy had struck an agreement with Hezbollah to ensure the safety of its troops in exchange for ignoring the group’s activities. M
ore recently, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stated in April 2024 that Iranian assurances had also been sought to protect Italian troops, highlighting the extent to which national contingents have prioritized their security over the mission’s objectives. Such arrangements embolden Hezbollah, allowing the group to operate with impunity.
Communities threatened, Terror given the green light
These developments are not just a threat to regional stability but also a global signal to terror groups such as Hezbollah that international peacekeeping forces can be manipulated or rendered ineffective. Southern Lebanon has since become a fortress for terrorist Hezbollah, equipped with its rocket launchers, attack tunnels, and an elite force ready to launch ground invasions into Israel.
The Lebanese people also feel the consequences of UNIFIL’s failures. Christians and other communities in Hezbollah-controlled areas of Lebanon live under constant fear, while some Shia Muslims in the area, coerced into cooperation, are unable to dissent from involvement. This environment of intimidation undermines the possibility of restoring Lebanese sovereignty in the south.
Time to end UNIFIL
After more than four decades, it is clear that UNIFIL has outlived its usefulness. Instead, the mission envisioned as a stabilizing force has become a tool for Hezbollah to consolidate power. Its presence provides a false sense of security, allowing the international community to avoid confronting the realities on the ground.
Ending UNIFIL’s mandate would force stakeholders to address the root causes of instability. For Israel, it would mean assuming direct control over border security without the constraints of this ineffective UN force. For Lebanon, it would offer an opportunity to reclaim its sovereignty and reduce Hezbollah’s stranglehold. Most importantly, it would send a message to the global community: ineffective peacekeeping missions will no longer be tolerated.
Toward a new strategy
Specific recommendations can be found in reports such as the IDSF’s Turning Point in the North: Prospects for the Israel-Hezbollah War. These proposals outline alternative strategies that empower local actors, enforce international resolutions, and foster regional cooperation.
A Hezbollah-free southern Lebanon is not just in Israel’s interest; it is a moral and strategic imperative for the Lebanese people and the region. By terminating UNIFIL, the international community can begin addressing the ground realities and work toward a more durable peace.
Giovanni GiacaloneA comprehensive approach addressing Hezbollah’s military dominance, Iran’s regional ambitions, and Lebanon’s political paralysis is essential for lasting peace. The time has come to end this failed experiment and build a new path toward stability and sovereignty.
Giovanni Giacalone and Moshe Bitton are researchers at the Israel Defense and Security Forum (IDSF).