United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)

UNIFIL, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, is a peacekeeping mission in south Lebanon. It was established by the Security Council in 1978 with Resolutions 425 and 426 after Israel invaded Lebanon. The resolutions established an international peacekeeping mission to:

• ⁠confirm Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon,
• restore international peace and security, and 
• assist the Lebanese Government in restoring its effective authority in the area. 

After the July-August 2006 war between Hizbullah and Israel, the UN Security Council enhanced UNIFIL’s mandate. While peacekeepers were still responsible for the tasks given to them under Resolutions 425 and 426, they were given new tasks, including 

• monitoring the cessation of hostilities,
• ⁠accompanying and supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) as they deploy throughout the south of Lebanon, and
• ⁠in the aftermath of the war, helping ensure humanitarian access to civilian populations and the voluntary and safe return of displaced persons.