Indian Army’s Key Role in UN Peacekeeping Amid Hezbollah-Israel Conflict – Defence News

As tensions between Hezbollah and Israel rise, the Indian military continues to maintain a permanent presence on the volatile Israeli-Lebanese border as part of a UN peacekeeping mission. Currently, 600 Indian troops are stationed along the Blue Line, a demarcation line established in 2000 as part of Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon. The force is part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which aims to maintain peace and stability in the region in the face of the ongoing war.

Hezbollah’s aggression and Israel’s preventive attacks

The latest upsurge in hostility began when Hezbollah reportedly prepared to fire more than 1,000 rockets at Israel. In response, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out a large-scale airstrike, attacking and destroying more than 100 Hezbollah rocket launchers and hideouts, according to intelligence reports. The IDF operation was intended to preempt a major attack, as concerns had been raised about an escalation of Hezbollah aggression. Despite the ongoing conflict, the Indian military’s role is not to intervene, but to maintain peace and security in accordance with UN directives.

Indian Peacekeepers on the Blue Line: A Buffer of Stability

The Blue Line, 120 kilometres long, acts as a buffer zone between Israel and Lebanon, where only UN forces, including the Indian contingent, are deployed. Their primary role within UNIFIL is to maintain peace and ensure that there is no escalation of conflict or violence in the region. Indian soldiers are also tasked with protecting other UN missions in the area and preventing any threats to peacekeeping operations.

Indian Railways’ Rishikesh-Karnaprayag BG Railway Project: 11 Stations Under Construction, 176 km Tunnel Work Completed

UN resolution demands end to Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories within 12 months; India and several key nations abstain

Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed ​​Rail Project: Over 175,000 acoustic screens installed on 87.5 km of viaduct

Ukraine attacks Russia with 144 drones, one killed; airports temporarily closed

While their role is crucial to maintaining the fragile peace, they do not participate in direct combat or military operations between Israel and Hezbollah. Instead, they observe and ensure compliance with the UN mandate, providing a stabilizing presence along this volatile border.

Hezbollah’s influence in Lebanon

UNIFIL operates in the Tyre area, about 30 kilometers from the Israeli border. Although Hezbollah’s influence in the region is relatively small, its operatives remain active. The area is also home to Palestinian refugee camps and a Shiite community that strongly supports Hezbollah. Iran, as a Shiite-majority country, continues to provide direct aid to Hezbollah in Lebanon, contributing to the growing tensions. According to 2020 data, Lebanon’s population is 67 percent Muslim, with Shiite Muslims making up 31 percent. Hezbollah’s influence is strongest in Shiite-dominated areas, particularly between Tyre and Sidon.

Structure of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Lebanon

The peacekeeping forces along the Blue Line are divided into two main sectors: the Eastern and Western sectors. Each sector has a brigade strength of 3 to 4 battalions, with over 600 soldiers per battalion. The Indian Army battalion is a key part of this structure, contributing significantly to the ongoing peacekeeping efforts under UNIFIL.

In a region engulfed by conflict, the presence of the Indian Army in Lebanon is a testament to its long-standing commitment to global peace and stability, ensuring the preservation of the fragile peace between Lebanon and Israel.