Official statements or press releases from the United Nations Security Council

IDF Finds Hezbollah Tunnels Near UNIFIL Base in Labbouneh, Questions UN Enforcement of Resolution 1701

Oct 13, 2024, 03:30 PM

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have uncovered heavily fortified Hezbollah tunnels and underground bunkers in southern Lebanon, located just 100 meters from United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) position 1-31 near Labbouneh. The discovery raises concerns about UNIFIL's ability to enforce UN Resolution 1701, which mandates that Hezbollah operatives remain north of the Litani River. Critics argue that UNIFIL has failed in its mission over the past 18 years, allowing Hezbollah to build military infrastructure near the Israeli border. The tunnels and bunkers, which overlook Israeli communities in the Western Galilee, are reportedly packed with weapons and suggest that Hezbollah has been preparing for potential offensives against Israel, undermining regional stability. In a recent incident, an Israeli military bulldozer knocked over barriers at UN position 1-31, and IDF tanks moved into proximity of the UN position, highlighting escalating tensions in the area.