Middle East Focus Lebanon and the UNIFIL Mandate: Disarming Hizballah and Reclaiming Sovereignty
Aug 7, 2025
Fadi Nicolas Nassar, a Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute and a political science professor, dives into Lebanon's tumultuous landscape. He discusses the delicate balance of power between the Lebanese state and Hezbollah, and the vital role of UNIFIL in enforcing peace. Nassar highlights the Lebanese government's push for disarmament of non-state militias and the operational challenges faced by international forces. He underscores the necessity for urgent reforms and strategic clarity as Lebanon seeks to reclaim its sovereignty in a complex regional context.
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UNIFIL’s Post‑2006 Role Defined
- UNIFIL was transformed after 2006 under Resolution 1701 into a stronger 'chapter 6.5' mission between peacekeeping and enforcement.
- Its core task is helping Lebanon establish a buffer zone between the Litani River and the Blue Line to prevent hostilities.
Patrols Preannounced, Then Blocked
- UNIFIL now alerts Lebanon before patrols and locals surround missions to block them.
- Those confrontations force the Lebanese army to mediate, leaving UNIFIL’s objectives unmet.
The ‘Chapter 6.5’ Legal Reality
- Resolution 1701 uses language usually reserved for Chapter 7, creating a hybrid 'chapter 6.5' authority for UNIFIL.
- That language authorizes UNIFIL to take necessary action, including force, to prevent hostilities when required.