What is UNIFIL and how does Switzerland contribute to peacekeeping?

United Nations peacekeepers have come under fire, as Israel targets Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. SWI swissinfo.ch examines the role of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon, and of Switzerland, in this volatile region. What is UNIFIL? Deployed in southern Lebanon, the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is presently a 10,000-strong peacekeeping force. It was established in March 1978 by the UN Security Council following Israel’s first invasion of Lebanon, which came in response to Palestinian attacks from the country. UNIFIL’s initial mandate was to confirm the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon, restore international peace and security, and assist the Lebanese government in re-establishing authority in the area. UNIFIL is primarily made up of members of national military and police services who have been seconded to work with the UN, although a small percentage are civilians. European countries contributing to UNIFIL include Italy, France, Spain and Ireland. Italy is the ...