Military Diplomacy and Operational Implications on the Lebanon Border

ABSTRACT: Israel's attitude toward peacekeeping troops in general, and UNIFIL troops on the Lebanese border in particular, is marked by disappointment and criticism. At the same time, a look at the role of UNIFIL since 2006 reveals a picture that is more nuanced than expected. Though much of Israel's criticism toward UNIFIL is justified, the international force plays a helpful role in several ways. This article examines Israel's attitude toward UNIFIL's role, and attempts to explain why in most of the cases, we are disappointed. It is important to point out that though there are flaws in UNIFIL's mandate, culture, and makeup, its presence on the ground can promote a better reality vis-à-vis Lebanon if Israeli decision-makers adopt a realistic diplomatic approach that utilizes fully the international force's advantages.

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