Tensions between Israel and Lebanon have reached a boiling point, prompting renewed calls for the implementation of a nearly two-decade-old United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1701. Proponents argue that the resolution, which aims to restore peace in the region, is more relevant now than ever. Critics, however, believe that the resolution’s failure to achieve its objectives in 2006 has led to Israel’s current military campaign against Hezbollah.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has emphasized the need for effective implementation of UNSCR 1701, calling for the parties involved, particularly Hezbollah, to be moved back from the border. The UN is also pushing for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the full implementation of the resolution.
UNSCR 1701, adopted in 2006, requires the Lebanese government to disarm all non-governmental organizations operating within its borders, bringing all weapons and military capabilities under state control. It also calls for Israel and Lebanon to respect the Blue Line border, a 75-mile demarcation that creates a demilitarized area between the two countries. The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is responsible for maintaining the Blue Line.
Hezbollah, an extremist organization founded in 1982, has been a major obstacle to the implementation of UNSCR 1701. The group, funded by the Iranian regime, operates across Lebanese society and has issued manifestos declaring Israel a vanguard of US imperialism. Hezbollah’s influence in Lebanese politics has grown since 2006, with its political wing holding 13 seats in the Lebanese parliament.
The current conflict in Lebanon began after the October 7 terrorist attacks on Israel, which saw Hezbollah fire thousands of missiles into northern Israeli territory. Israel responded with a military campaign, killing over 1,000 individuals and injuring over 6,300, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health.
The future of UNSCR 1701 remains uncertain, with Lebanon facing growing destabilization as Israel continues its campaign against Hezbollah. Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati has called for the implementation of the resolution, but it remains unclear how Hezbollah will be dismantled. Scholars believe that the Lebanese government’s enthusiasm for upholding the resolution will not result in the required disarming of Hezbollah.
The US has also emphasized the importance of implementing UNSCR 1701, with Principal Deputy US State Department Spokesman Vedant Patel stating that the goal is to see the effective implementation of the resolution. However, Israel sees the resolution and the lack of enforcement thereof as justification for its military campaign. If Hezbollah remains operational in Lebanon and the UN peacekeepers don’t take action, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) believe it’s their prerogative to remove them.
Policy discussions are unlikely to convince Israel to pull back its military campaign in Lebanon. The only way to kickstart the implementation of UNSCR 1701 seems to be the eradication of Hezbollah. With the US and UN pushing for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict, the situation in Lebanon remains volatile and uncertain.
