A striking incident occurred in Lebanon when a group of local civilians clashed with a United Nations peacekeeping patrol in south Lebanon – one individual delivered a slap to a Finnish UNIFIL officer. The confrontation took place near the Shiite village of Bedias, while a UNIFIL jeep was securing a road near the village. The precise reason for the dispute is uncertain – yet the Lebanese outlet Al-Jadeed noted that UNIFIL troops had blocked the route, leading a group of youths from the village – a Hezbollah stronghold near Tyre – to challenge the peacekeepers.
Video: Incident in Bedias village highlights growing tensions as US and Israel consider ending UN peacekeeping mission
On Sunday, Israel Hayom revealed that the United States and Israel are moving to end UNIFIL's mission in south Lebanon. Israel has joined the US position that the UN force – stationed in the region – should conclude its 47-year presence (UNIFIL, stands for United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, was formed in the 1970s). Formed after Operation Litani in 1978, the international contingent has consistently failed to curb the armament of terrorist organizations in the area.
Since the ceasefire with Israel has commenced in December, multiple incidents have unfolded in Shiite villages in south Lebanon – Hezbollah supporters have targeted UNIFIL patrols, even affixing the group's flags to UN vehicles. In certain instances, it was noted that the patrols "operate without an escort from the Lebanese Armed Forces."
Speaking to Sky News, UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operation Jean-Pierre Lacroix expressed support for deploying the Lebanese Armed Forces in south Lebanon. He argued that the presence of Israeli forces "impedes the Lebanese army's deployment and the fulfillment of the international community's objectives." He further clarified – "No talks have occurred about cutting international funding for UNIFIL" – and stressed – "Funding decisions rest with the UN Security Council. Our operational structure in south Lebanon remains unchanged. Since 2006, 48 nations have backed our mission in Lebanon – and our presence fosters 'a sense of hope' in the region."
