General

What is UNIFIL?

UNIFIL, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, is a peacekeeping mission supporting security and stability in south Lebanon.

The mission consists of over 10,000 peacekeepers from about 50 countries, monitoring and reporting to the Security Council violations of resolution 1701. The mission also has about 800 civilian staff.

UNIFIL’s headquarters are located in the town of Naqoura, and it has 50 positions throughout its 1,060 square-kilometre area of operations. Five UNIFIL ships operate along the full length of the Lebanese coastline as part of the mission’s Maritime Task Force.

See a map of UNIFIL’s area of operations here.

Why was UNIFIL established?

UNIFIL was established after the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1978. The United Nations Security Council adopted resolutions 425 and 426 on 19 March of that year, creating an international peacekeeping force. The first peacekeepers arrived four days later, on 23 March 1978. According to the resolutions, UNIFIL’s mandate was to:

• confirm the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanon,
• restore international peace and security, and
• help the Lebanese Government restore its effective authority in the area.

After the July-August 2006 war between Hizbullah and Israel, the Security Council expanded UNIFIL’s mandate with resolution 1701. In addition to the tasks given to them under resolutions 425 and 426, peacekeepers were further requested to:

• monitor the “cessation of hostilities” (that is, watch to confirm that Lebanon and Israel stopped aggressive actions against one another),  
• accompany and support the Lebanese Armed Forces in their deployment throughout south Lebanon, and help them enforce the prohibition of illegal weapons in UNIFIL’s area of operations, and
• in the aftermath of the war, help ensure humanitarian access to civilians and the voluntary and safe return of people who had been displaced by the conflict.

UNIFIL’s mandate is renewed annually by the Security Council at the end of August, upon the request of the Lebanese Government. The most recent renewal was done through the unanimous adoption of resolution 2749 (2024), extending the mission’s mandate until 31 August 2025.

For more details, read about UNIFIL’s Mandate.

What is the Blue Line?

The Blue Line is a “line of withdrawal.” It was identified in the year 2000 by the United Nations, in cooperation with Lebanese and Israeli officials, as a reference to confirm the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanese territory as required by Security Council resolution 425. The trajectory of the line is based on historical maps and documents, which did not always translate clearly onto the physical terrain. While both sides accept the line, there are certain areas where they don’t agree with.

There is no agreed border between Lebanon and Israel, and the Blue Line itself is not a border. It is a line of withdrawal for the purpose of monitoring violations of resolution 1701, without prejudice to any future border that Lebanon and Israel may agree to as part of a political and diplomatic process.

Any crossing of the Blue Line by land or air is considered a violation of resolution 1701. Every violation that peacekeepers observe is reported to the Security Council. The Blue Line is only marked for about half of its 120-kilometre length, and any walls or fences that Lebanese or Israeli authorities have built nearby may not follow its trajectory.

You can learn more about why marking the Blue Line is important by reading the article “It’s Time to Talk About the Blue Line: Constructive Re-engagement is Key to Stability.”

 

Resolution 1701 and UNIFIL’s Mandate

What is resolution 1701?

Unanimously adopted on 11 August 2006, United Nations Security Council resolution 1701 helped end the war between Israel and Hizbullah.

The resolution sets out a number of commitments by both Lebanon and Israel and defines UNIFIL’s mandate. It says that UNIFIL is to support the two countries in meeting their commitments, including by supporting the Lebanese army in assuming control in south Lebanon. It called for the full withdrawal of Israeli forces south of the Blue Line. It further called for the establishment of an area free from any weapons or armed personnel not belonging to the Government of Lebanon or UNIFIL between the Blue Line and the Litani River.

Resolution 1701 helped ensure relative security and stability on both sides of the Blue Line for 17 years, until exchanges of fire across the Blue Line began on 8 October 2023. On 28 August 2024, with resolution 2749, the Security Council demanded full implementation of resolution 1701 and reiterated strong support for full respect for the Blue Line and a full cessation of hostilities.

Following the most recent conflict, Lebanon and Israel have both reaffirmed their support for resolution 1701.

How does UNIFIL deal with violations of resolution 1701?

UNIFIL’s focus is on supporting full respect for, and preventing violations of, Security Council resolution 1701. UNIFIL is mandated to report all violations of the resolution to the United Nations Security Council. Peacekeepers monitor the Blue Line, including the airspace above it, and conduct foot and vehicle patrols to see what is happening on the ground.

UNIFIL’s focus has always been on preventing escalation between Lebanon and Israel and avoiding direct confrontation between the two sides. In the past, depending on the nature of the incident, peacekeepers have acted as an intermediary between Lebanon and Israel or even physically interposed themselves between people on both sides to prevent escalation.

Peacekeepers do not have the mandate or authority to prevent violations of the resolution with force. Although armed, peacekeepers can only use their weapons in very limited and strictly legally-defined circumstances, such as when civilians or the peacekeepers themselves are under imminent threat of violence. Peacekeepers cannot and do not take sides in the conflict between Lebanon and Israel. Under resolution 1701, UNIFIL’s main role is to act as an impartial observer and record-keeper for the Security Council, and by extension the international community.

Who is responsible for implementing resolution 1701?

Lebanon and Israel, as the parties to the resolution, have the primary responsibility for the full implementation of resolution 1701. UNIFIL’s role is to support them in fulfilling their obligations, in particular by impartially monitoring violations and supporting the Lebanese government in extending its authority over the territory of south Lebanon. Ultimately, the success of resolution 1701 depends on Lebanon and Israel and their commitment to its full implementation and a return to the cessation of hostilities. UNIFIL is here to support this.

Does the recent conflict mean that resolution 1701 is dead?

No. Resolution 1701 was challenged during the recent conflict, but both Lebanese and Israeli authorities recognize it is the most effective framework to address the current situation and work toward a long-term settlement. Resolution 1701 helped maintain over 17 years of relative stability, thanks to Lebanon’s and Israel’s commitment to its framework. It is necessary for both Lebanon and Israel to re-commit to 1701’s full implementation in practice as well as in words – because ultimately its success depends on them. UNIFIL will continue to provide whatever support we can to achieve this, and we believe it will happen.

Can UNIFIL use force?

As UNIFIL operates under Chapter VI of the UN Charter, peacekeepers are only allowed to use force in very specific and limited situations (set out in paragraph 12 of resolution 1701).

Peacekeepers can always use force in self-defence to protect UN personnel, facilities, installations, and equipment.

Beyond self-defence, UNIFIL may also use force within its means and capabilities to achieve the following goals:

• ensuring that UNIFIL’s area of operations is not utilized for hostile activities of any kind (primarily in support of and in coordination with the Lebanese Armed Forces);
• resisting attempts by forceful means to prevent peacekeepers from discharging their duties under the mandate authorized by the Security Council;
• protecting UN personnel, facilities, installations, and equipment;
• ensuring the security and freedom of movement of UN personnel and humanitarian workers; and
• without prejudice to the primary responsibility of the Government of Lebanon, protecting civilians under imminent threat of physical violence.

 

Recent Conflict and Aftermath (8 October 2023 to present)

What is UNIFIL’s position on the current situation?

The full withdrawal of the Israel Defense Forces from Lebanese territory and the robust deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces to enforce the prohibition on illegal weapons south of the Litani River are fundamental conditions for long-term peace. The continued presence of Israeli soldiers is a clear violation of resolution 1701, just as the presence of illegal weapons is.

What did peacekeepers do during the recent conflict?

UNIFIL’s mandate did not change during the recent conflict. In accordance with resolution 1701, peacekeepers continuously monitored the situation and reported violations to the Security Council. UNIFIL actively protested violations to both Lebanese and Israeli authorities.

Due to the active exchanges of fire and later ground incursion by Israel, peacekeepers had to adapt activities for their safety. This meant a suspension of foot patrols and reduction of vehicle patrols, but also an increase in counter rocket-launching operations. Peacekeepers continued to monitor and report from UNIFIL’s 50 positions in south Lebanon, about half of which are located on or near the Blue Line.

Peacekeepers continued to liaise and coordinate between the Lebanese and Israeli armies to avoid misunderstandings that could unexpectedly escalate the situation. UNIFIL also intensified contacts to urge Israel and Lebanon to avoid or prevent any deliberate escalation, and a return to the cessation of hostilities.

Through this liaison and coordination process, from the beginning of the conflict to March 2025, we facilitated almost 200 humanitarian missions in coordination with the Lebanese Army, Lebanese Red Cross, and United Nations agencies, funds, and programmes. We also helped ensure repairs to vital civilian infrastructure damaged in the conflict could take place safely.

At all times, UNIFIL urged Lebanon and Israel to recommit to resolution 1701 as a path toward a long-term political and diplomatic solution. This is the only way forward to a long-term solution, and this must come from the parties themselves. Ultimately, peacekeepers worked to create a space for that to happen.

What are peacekeepers doing now, following the withdrawal of Israeli forces from most parts of south Lebanon?

Peacekeepers continue to implement UNIFIL’s mandate under resolution 1701 – including monitoring, recording, and reporting violations – and are currently adapting to the changing situation.

After reducing and adapting a number of activities during the exchanges of fire and Israeli ground incursion, UNIFIL is increasing the number of its patrols and other operational activities, including many alongside the Lebanese army. In the three months following 27 November 2024, peacekeepers uncovered over 160 unauthorized weapons and ammunition caches and reported them to the Lebanese army.

Peacekeepers are actively working to clear roads of debris and unexploded ordnance to ensure we can patrol safely and supplies can reach their bases. We are also working to complete repairs to positions that were damaged in the exchanges of fire.

Peacekeepers continue to facilitate humanitarian missions by United Nations agencies, funds, and programmes and NGOs supporting displaced people returning to their villages.

Were any peacekeepers hurt in the conflict?

Since 8 October 2023, there have been dozens of incidents where our positions and vehicles have been hit by fire, despite all the mission’s measures to ensure safety and security of our peacekeepers. This includes a few cases where peacekeepers have been injured – about 40 in total, and fortunately not very seriously. No peacekeepers have been killed in the exchanges of fire.

UNIFIL consistently stresses to the parties that targeting UN positions or using areas near our positions to launch attacks across the Blue Line is unacceptable and a violation of resolution 1701.  In 2024, with resolution 2749 and a subsequent statement in November, the Security Council condemned incidents affecting UNIFIL premises and forces, including the wounding of several peacekeepers, while urging all parties to take all measures to respect the safety and security of UNIFIL personnel and premises.

 

UNIFIL, Resolution 1701, and the "Ceasefire Agreement”

What is UNIFIL’s role in the monitoring mechanism?

UNIFIL is one of five parties participating in the mechanism monitoring the implementation of the understanding on the cessation of hostilities (commonly referred to as the “ceasefire agreement”). The five parties – Lebanon, Israel, the United States, France, and UNIFIL – coordinate through the mechanism to support the return to the cessation of hostilities.

Does UNIFIL track and report violations of the cessation of hostilities understanding (commonly referred to as the “ceasefire agreement”)?

According to the mandate UNIFIL has from the Security Council, peacekeepers only report on violations of resolution 1701. Details about these violations are published in the UN Secretary-General’s regular report on the implementation of resolution 1701. These are the official numbers and status as they are double-checked and cross-referenced for accuracy before publication. 

The “ceasefire agreement” is an understanding reached independently of the United Nations, although UNIFIL peacekeepers are supporting it within the parameters of our mandate under resolution 1701 and in pursuit of security and stability for south Lebanon and the region. The overlap between the ceasefire understanding and 1701 is not complete. For example, the presence of Israeli forces in Lebanon during the implementation period was a violation of 1701, which UNIFIL actively protested to Israeli authorities, even if tolerated by the understanding. UNIFIL’s role and responsibilities under resolution 1701 have not changed with the understanding.

 

UNIFIL and the Local Community

What is UNIFIL’s relationship with the people in south Lebanon?

Peacekeepers have long and positive relationships with the communities in which we live and work in south Lebanon. In addition to conducting our mandated operational activities in support of security and stability, peacekeepers continue to support the people through support projects and donations, which are much-needed as people return to destroyed homes and villages. Peacekeepers at all levels regularly meet with local community and religious leaders to hear any concerns and learn more about community needs, to try to help.

We know that UNIFIL’s round-the-clock work to monitor and patrol its area of operations can affect the everyday life of the local population. All efforts are made to be as respectful and non-intrusive as possible while ensuring that, in conjunction with the Lebanese Armed Forces, UNIFIL delivers on the mandate agreed to by the Lebanese government.

Conscious of the impact of UNIFIL’s military deployment among the civilian population, the mission enforces a strict code of conduct for its soldiers and staff. Any incident of note (including a road accident) is investigated by UN investigative authorities.

Occasionally peacekeepers encounter challenges with the local population. There have been some occasions where peacekeepers have been blocked, prevented from continuing on their way, and even violently attacked. These are rare, but of great concern and are protested to Lebanese authorities at the highest level. Such acts impair our ability to support the implementation of resolution 1701, which is the only viable framework toward long-term peace. More details in Civil Interaction. 

Does UNIFIL provide humanitarian assistance to the local population?

In the immediate aftermath of the 2006 war, a major task mandated by UN Security Council resolution 1701 was for UNIFIL to help ensure humanitarian access to civilian populations and the voluntary and safe return of persons who had been displaced during the conflict.

Since the exchanges of fire began on 8 October 2023, UNIFIL has liaised and coordinated with authorities in Lebanon and Israel to ensure safe humanitarian access to communities in south Lebanon. It has also worked to coordinate missions by the Lebanese Red Cross and evacuation of civilians.

Although not a humanitarian or development agency, UNIFIL contingents continue to provide free medical, dental, veterinary and other assistance to the local population. In addition, UNIFIL contingents conduct various training programmes for people living in south Lebanon, including agriculture, computer skills, languages, entrepreneurship, mediation, yoga, and taekwondo.

UNIFIL’s engineering and other operational resources and equipment are deployed in the mission area to support the implementation of the mandate, which may in certain circumstances indirectly benefit the local population. UNIFIL also has a limited budget for small community projects.

More details in Civil Interaction. Visit the photo gallery or our video library for a glimpse of the different community support activities.

What projects and activities do peacekeepers do to help local communities?

UNIFIL is a peacekeeping force, not a humanitarian agency. However, it does have a limited budget to address some of the most pressing needs of the local population. These projects are small-scale, rapidly implementable, and complement – rather than substitute – the longer-term development initiatives of other agencies and actors, or the Lebanese state. These projects are often undertaken at the request of municipalities or government institutions and implemented in coordination with other UN agencies and NGOs.

Following the outbreak of conflict in 2023, it became much more difficult for UN agencies and NGOs to safely access south Lebanon. UNIFIL also leveraged its strong relationships with Lebanese and Israeli authorities through its liaison and coordination mechanism to de-conflict and facilitate humanitarian missions to support residents affected by the conflict.

See more details in Civil Interaction, or visit the photo gallery or our video library.

 

UNIFIL and the Lebanese Army

How does UNIFIL work with and support the Lebanese Armed Forces?

UNIFIL coordinates its activities, including foot and vehicle patrols, with the Lebanese Armed Forces. As of September 2024, about one-fifth of activities that the Lebanese Armed Forces can participate in are done in close coordination with them, while the rest are done independently.

UNIFIL’s long-term objective is to gradually transfer responsibilities to Lebanese Armed Forces so that it assumes full and effective security control over UNIFIL’s area of operations and Lebanese territorial waters in line with resolution 1701. 

Close cooperation between UNIFIL and the Lebanese Armed Forces has since been key to the implementation of the Security Council resolution 1701, which aims to ensure a safe and secure environment in south Lebanon and the “establishment between the Blue Line and the Litani river of an area free of any armed personnel, assets and weapons, other than those of the Government of Lebanon and of UNIFIL”.

See more details in Operations.

Can peacekeepers patrol on their own, without the Lebanese army?

Yes. To be able to fulfill the tasks given to them by the Security Council, peacekeepers must be able to perform our duties independently and impartially. This means we must be able to go where we determine we need to in support of the implementation of resolution 1701.

Peacekeepers have always been allowed to perform patrols and other activities in UNIFIL’s area of operations in south Lebanon. We can do this independently or accompanied by the Lebanese Armed Forces. This freedom of movement has been reiterated in Security Council resolutions renewing UNIFIL’s mandate, including resolution 1701 in 2006, and UNIFIL’s Status of Forces Agreement, signed in 1995.

There is, unfortunately, a persistent misunderstanding by some locals that peacekeepers always have to be accompanied by Lebanese soldiers on patrols. It is not true, and this misunderstanding has occasionally led to some tensions.

Who is responsible for security in south Lebanon? 

Maintaining a stable and secure environment in the area is first and foremost the responsibility of the Lebanese Armed Forces. UNIFIL is present in south Lebanon at the Security Council’s request to support them in this. Peacekeepers help and support the Lebanese Armed Forces, including in their efforts to ensure that the area between the Litani River and the Blue Line is free of illegal weapons and is not used for any hostile activity.

 

Maritime Task Force (MTF) and Other Maritime Issues

What is the UNIFIL Maritime Task Force?

The Maritime Task Force is a naval peacekeeping force. It was deployed in October 2006 at the request of the Lebanese Government to help the Lebanese Navy secure the country’s sea borders and other maritime entry points, to prevent the entry unauthorized weapons and related items . This is the first ever maritime deployment in a United Nations peacekeeping mission.Since its inception, 15 countries have contributed naval units to the UNIFIL Maritime Task Force: Bangladesh, Brazil, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Indonesia, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden and Türkiye. Currently, Germany, Bangladesh, Greece, Indonesia, and Türkiye have ships present.

See more in UNIFIL Maritime Task Force.

What does the Maritime Task Force do?

The Maritime Task Force (MTF) works with the Lebanese Navy to secure the country’s sea borders and other maritime entry points to prevent the entry unauthorized arms and related material into Lebanon. MTF ships operate along the entire Lebanese coastline in close cooperation with the Lebanese Navy. MTF personnel monitor and hail ships and other maritime traffic entering Lebanese waters, and report suspect vessels to Lebanese authorities for inspection.

The MTF also conducts air surveillance over maritime and land territories in support of the Lebanese authorities and search and rescue operations in close coordination with Lebanese Navy.

In addition, MTF is also working to build sustainable operational capacity within the Lebanese Navy through joint exercises, training, equipment and technical assistance.

UNIFIL’s long-term objective is to gradually transfer responsibilities to Lebanese Armed Forces, including its navy, so that it assumes full and effective security control over UNIFIL’s area of operations and the Lebanese territorial waters in line with resolution 1701.  

Did UNIFIL play a role in the demarcation of Lebanon’s maritime border?

UNIFIL provided logistical support to US-mediated maritime demarcation negotiations between Lebanon and Israel in October 2020 and May 2021, mainly in providing a secure venue for the negotiations to take place. UNIFIL also hosted the signing ceremony at its position in Ras al-Naqoura on 27 October 2022.

The demarcation of the maritime border between Lebanon and Israel is not part of UNIFIL’s mandate. The mandate of UNIFIL’s Maritime Task Force is limited to helping the Lebanese Navy, at the government’s request, prevent the unauthorized entry of arms or related materiel into Lebanon by sea.

Nonetheless, the mission hopes that progress made at sea may presage future progress on land, and eventually long-term peace.

 

Other Questions

Does UNIFIL perform demining operations?

Before October 2023, UNIFIL deminers worked to clear landmines and other unexploded ordnances left over from previous conflicts. From 2006 to 2023, UNIFIL deminers cleared nearly five million square metres of mine-filled land in south Lebanon. They also destroyed more than 51,000 mines, bombs and unexploded ordnance. This work was done to help peacekeepers carry out their tasks under resolution 1701, for example to be able to safely conduct patrols along the Blue Line.

UNIFIL’s regular demining work has been suspended since 8 October 2023, which has left even more mines and unexploded weapons across south Lebanon.

Following the recent conflict, peacekeepers have found and removed dozens of additional unexploded bombs and weapons, mainly close to the Blue Line. We coordinate closely with the Lebanese army whenever any kind of unexploded device is found. Our focus is on opening roads to ensure peacekeepers and the Lebanese army can safely move and patrol, but the work we are doing will also help ensure that civilians can return to their villages safely. 

See more details in UN Mine Action and UNIFIL.

What is the Observer Group Lebanon?

The Observer Group Lebanon (OGL) is the Lebanese arm of the Jerusalem-headquartered United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO). In addition to Lebanon and Israel, UNTSO’s unarmed observers are present in Syria, Jordon and Egypt. In 1978, when UNIFIL was established, it was decided that a group of UNTSO military observers would cooperate with UNIFIL in the fulfillment of its tasks. Over 30 OGL military observers support UNIFIL in carrying out its mandate by monitoring and reporting of the Blue Line and patrolling in villages.

Learn more about how OGL works with UNIFIL here.

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(Last updated: 4 April 2025)