04/09/2020

Priority question for written answer to the VP of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on the Mandate of the UNIFIL

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was established in 1978, and further strengthened in 2006 as per the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.

It is of utmost urgency that the mandate and capacity of UNIFIL be reformed. There is a clear overlap between the geographic areas where access to UNIFIL is denied and where terrorist activity occurs in Lebanon. Aided by Iran, Hezbollah in Lebanon has thrived. It has constructed multiple weapon depots, fired missiles against Israel, dug attack tunnels in the border of Lebanon and Israel, and a series of other terrorist actions.

The UNIFIL’s mission has just been renewed for another year. Israel and the USA are currently working together so that the United Nations Security Council strengthens UNIFIL’s presence and grants it an expanded mandate with a view to deterring and weakening Hezbollah’s hold over Lebanon. It is important to note that France, Belgium, Estonia and Germany are currently members of the United Nations Security Council and that they are participating in said deliberations.

  1. What steps will the EU take to contribute and seize this political opportunity in order to chart a new course for the mission and ensure that UNIFIL can have access to areas under Hezbollah control?

Question submitted by Antonio López-Istúriz White (PPE), Lukas Mandl (PPE), Anna-Michelle Asimakopoulou (PPE), David Lega (PPE), Andrey Kovatchev (PPE), Loránt Vincze (PPE), Petras Auštrevičius (Renew), Tomáš Zdechovský (PPE), Miriam Lexmann (PPE).

See the answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Borrell here.