As tensions escalate between Hezbollah and Israel, the Indian Army continues its steady presence on the volatile Israel-Lebanon border under the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission. Currently, 600 Indian soldiers are stationed along the Blue Line, a demarcation established in 2000 as part of Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon. This force is part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), dedicated to maintaining peace and stability in the region amidst the unfolding war.
Hezbollah’s Aggression and Israel’s Pre-emptive Strikes
The recent surge in hostilities began when Hezbollah was reportedly preparing to launch over 1,000 rockets towards Israel. In response, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) launched a large-scale airstrike, targeting and destroying more than 100 rocket launchers and Hezbollah hideouts, according to intelligence reports. The IDF’s operation aimed to pre-empt a major attack, as fears of Hezbollah’s escalating aggression loomed. Despite the ongoing conflict, the Indian Army’s role is not to intervene but to maintain peace and security under UN directives.
Indian Peacekeepers on the Blue Line: A Buffer for Stability
The Blue Line, running 120 kilometers, acts as a buffer zone between Israel and Lebanon, where only UN forces, including the Indian contingent, are deployed. Their primary mandate under UNIFIL is to maintain peace and ensure that no conflicts or acts of violence escalate in the region. Indian soldiers are also tasked with safeguarding other UN missions in the area and preventing any threat to peacekeeping operations.
While their role is crucial in maintaining a fragile peace, they are not involved in direct combat or military operations between Israel and Hezbollah. Instead, they observe and ensure compliance with the UN mandate, providing a stabilizing presence along this volatile border.
Hezbollah’s Influence in Lebanon
UNIFIL operates up to the Tyre area, about 30 kilometers from the Israeli border. Although Hezbollah’s influence in this region is relatively minimal, its operatives remain active. The area is also home to Palestinian refugee camps and the Shia community, which strongly supports Hezbollah. Iran, as a Shia-majority nation, continues to provide direct aid to Hezbollah in Lebanon, contributing to the growing tensions. According to 2020 data, Lebanon’s population is 67% Muslim, with Shia Muslims accounting for 31%. Hezbollah’s influence is strongest in Shia-dominated areas, particularly between Tyre and Sidon.
The Structure of UN Peacekeeping Forces in Lebanon
The peacekeeping forces along the Blue Line are divided into two main sectors: the East and West sectors. Each sector has brigade-level strength, comprising 3 to 4 battalions, with more than 600 soldiers per battalion. The Indian Army’s battalion is a key part of this structure, contributing significantly to the ongoing peacekeeping efforts under UNIFIL.
In a region fraught with conflict, the Indian Army’s presence in Lebanon serves as a testament to its long-standing commitment to global peace and stability, ensuring that the fragile peace between Lebanon and Israel is maintained.