The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has
confirmed the existence of at least two tunnels crossing the
“Blue Line” – the border demarcation between Lebanon and Israel –
but they “do not appear thus far” to have exit points leading to
the surface on Israeli territory, the United Nations top
peacekeeping official told the Security Council on Wednesday.
Briefing the Security Council, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN
Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, said that a
thorough investigation to establish the trajectories and points
of origin of the tunnels “is a complex task” as they are between
29 and 46 metres below ground, difficult to detect, and near
areas sensitive to both parties.
“While the tunnels do not appear thus far to have exit points on
the Israeli side, they are a serious violation of resolution
1701,” he said.
“UNIFIL is acting judiciously to complete its investigations of
the tunnels – with technical teams on the ground – and to work
with both parties to ensure that any tunnels that are in
violation of the resolution are disabled decisively and safely.”
He also informed the Council that, from the outset, UNIFIL has
sought to “accurately assess” the alleged violations as well as
work with the parties to maintain calm along the Blue Line.
Calm prevails, but there is ‘potential for
miscalculation’
Commending both the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Lebanese
Armed Forces (LAF) for their stated commitment to use established
coordination arrangements and their intention to avoid any
escalation, the head of UN peacekeeping operations warned however
that the “potential for miscalculation … cannot be
underestimated.”
“The parties have been reminded that provocative activities along
the Blue Line and heightened rhetoric contribute to an
environment of increased risk,” he cautioned.
Mr. Lacroix further told the Security Council that the UN mission
has observed demonstrations near Meis al-Jabal, some of which
were led by Members of Parliament in Lebanon and had few
protesters “crossing” the Blue Line.
In a separate instance, on 17 December, in connection with works
being carried out by the IDF south of the Blue Line, a LAF
soldier “cocked his weapon”, directing it towards the IDF.
Thereafter, both IDF soldiers and LAF personnel took up
positions, pointing weapons at each other, leading to increased
tensions, he said, adding that the situation was de-escalated by
the intervention of UNIFIL liaison officers, who were present
their throughout the stand off.
“UNIFIL has deployed additional troops and liaison teams to
sensitive locations along the Blue Line. UNIFIL will continue to
assist the parties to maintain calm and meet their obligations
under resolution 1701 (2006),” he added.
