MIDDLE EAST: Tensions between the recently enlarged Unifil force and Hizbullah appear to be on the increase.
Following UN Security Resolution 1701 - adopted following weeks of bitter combat between Hizbullah and the Israeli military last summer - Unifil's troop levels in Lebanon were dramatically increased from a force of 2,000 to over 12,000 military personnel.
Ireland contributed a mechanised infantry company - consisting of 165 soldiers - to this force on October 31st last.
Twenty-nine countries are members of the reinforced Unifil mission, with troop contributions from countries as diverse as Ireland, Turkey, China, India, Malaysia and the Republic of Korea. However, some nationalities such as the Spanish and Italians - with recent war service in Iraq and Afghanistan - appear to be encountering increased hostility from the mainly Shia villagers in south Lebanon and some local Hizbullah commanders.
Many in Hizbullah - and indeed some veteran commanders within Unifil - feel that certain contingents and nationalities are adhering to operational norms acquired in Iraq and Afghanistan that are far too robust and offensive for Unifil's delicate peacekeeping operation in Lebanon. In December, Spanish troops who had uncovered Hizbullah weapons caches following weeks of vigorous patrolling were targeted by roadside bombs.
However, according to Hizbullah's Ali Mokdad, a prominent member of the Lebanese parliament, Irish troops are especially welcome in Lebanon for the time being.
According to Dr Mokdad: "Almost all of Unifil, especially the Irish, do not interfere or interact negatively with the Lebanese.
"It is important that Irish troops continue to be respectful and sensitive to Lebanese and Hizbullah's sensibilities."
Dr Mokdad, who originally comes from Balbek and is a neurologist by profession, told The Irish Times in a telephone interview last night that for the time being Hizbullah's armed fighters "remain north of the Litani River in accordance with Resolution 1701".
He stressed that while Irish troops were welcome to help in rebuilding Lebanon's shattered infrastructure, the Irish should not interfere with Hizbullah's extensive welfare and social supports throughout the south of the country. "As long as the Irish don't interfere with our social work south of the Litani, they should not have a problem."
Dr Mokdad dismissed rising tensions between the Spanish contingent and Hizbullah as "a local problem, not representing any wider political agenda".
He did warn Unifil and the Irish, however, that in the event of a resumption of hostilities between Israel and Lebanon, any attempt on the part of Unifil to "interfere" with Hizbullah's combat operations would be considered a hostile act.
"In those circumstances, there should be no searches, no confiscation of weapons, no interference.
"If Unifil did these things, it would help the Israelis and that would be a different story with different outcomes for UN soldiers."
When pressed on what actions Irish troops ought to take in such a scenario, Dr Mokdad stated: "Hizbullah and the Lebanese resistance, the people of Lebanon, would invite the Irish to join them in the fight against the aggressor and to fight the Israelis for peace in Lebanon."
Dr Tom Clonan is The Irish Times Security Analyst. He lectures in the School of Media, DIT.
