For years (until 2023), the expression used by military deployed in Lebanon to refer to the situation they lived in the south of the country, on the border with Israelwas that of “tense calm”. Two words that said a lot but that, however, did not alter the day-to-day life of the blue helmetswho since 2006, under the mandate of United Nationsthey have among their tasks monitor and contribute to the cessation of hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel. But today, 18 years later, this multinational peacekeeping force UN (UNIFIL) It has proven ineffective and the worst of the omens predicted by the Spanish military commanders deployed there a little less than a year ago are about to come true. They were already talking about “volatile and unpredictable situation”and, in fact, they confirmed that, faced with a possible escalation of the conflict, they were building more shelters. And they were necessary, because now they pass 14 hours a daysheltered in thebunkersas confirmed by the Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles.
That November 1, 2023, the Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles, held a video conference with the person in charge of UNIFIL since 2022, the Spanish lieutenant general. Aroldo Lázaro Sáenz, and with the then head of the multinational Brigade of the Eastern sector of the same, General Luis Fernández Herrero (today this position is held by General Guillermo García del Barrio). During the talk, they pointed out three possible scenarios arising from the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The first, the “most likely”, that the “everyday but limited confrontations” between Israel and Hezbollah near the “Blue Line”, the tense border established by the UN in 2000. The second, of “medium probability”, that Israel would go one step further and carry out “preventive actions against Hezbollah”. And the third, then “unlikely”, “a major offensive by Israel to destroy the Hezbollah structure”. And it is the latter that threatens to become reality and has more than 10,000 blue helmets from 50 countries on maximum alert and with their hands practically tied, listening as if close to their positions and barracks bombs and missiles fall launched from Israeli soil.
Of those more than 10,000 uniformed men, 670 are Spanishmost of them belonging to the “Aragón” Brigade I, which was deployed in this Middle East powder keg last May, when the situation was already more than out of control and the shelters were beginning to be used more than usual.
And our country occupies important positions in this Multinational force. On the one hand, the Lieutenant General Lázaro commands all the blue helmets from the Mission Headquarters in the town of Naqourajust one kilometer from the border with Israel. There is another fifty Spaniards as part of his staff.
On the other hand, the General García del Barrio does the same in UNIFIL Eastern sectormanaging 3,500 uniformed personnel from a dozen nationalities at the “Miguel de Cervantes” base in Marjayounone of the hottest areas in southern Lebanon, practically border with Israel and Syria. There are around 550 Spanish soldiersof which some 80 are in charge of the two observation posts of Spanish responsibility on the “Blue Line.”
They are the 9-64 and 4-28. Until recently, in addition to monitoring the area from its towers (over which Israeli or Hezbollah missiles frequently flew over), They patrolled that border line imaginary area marked by blue barrels, very close to several “hot spots”: the Golan Heights, Sheeba FarmsGhajar…
But not anymore. Now they only leave the bunkers to essential logistical tasks and always together with the Lebanese Armed Forces. The latest attacks have led them to increase protection measures, as stated this week by General García del Barrio, who wanted to send a message of “tranquility”, aimed primarily at families of uniformed personnel. As he explained, “on a military mission, zero risk does not exist“, although he did make it clear that “The United Nations is not the objective of any party”. Of course, to avoid any incident and guarantee the safety of the contingent, since last Monday, the patrols “have been limited to those strictly necessary” and “activities have been reduced.”
Because the Spanish military – and most of the 10,000 blue helmets – are in the middle of a crossfire which only intensifies. And despite this, the only thing that Lieutenant General Lázaro, as the highest representative of the multinational Force, can do is call on both sides (Israel and Hezbollah) to immediately cease attacks. Something they have been trying for a long time without success.
“Devastating consequences”
Thus, in the last UNIFIL official statementthose stand out “efforts” by the Spanish command to “reduce tensions and stop the bombings”, which have caused hundreds of civilian deaths and the exodus of citizens from the south.
“Any further escalation of this dangerous situation could have devastating consequences and far-reaching, not only for those who live on both sides of the ‘Blue Line’, but also for the region in general,” they warn while reiterating their “strong call for a diplomatic solution” and the immediate restoration of the Resolution 1701 of the United Nations Security Council.
For now, the future of this mission is uncertain. TO very short term, evacuation is not contemplated of the blue helmets of a land (between the Litani River and the “Blue Line”) that threatens to become a new battlefield if the major ground offensive planned by Israel goes ahead. However, given what may happen, they have already dusted off the contingency plans in case it were finally necessary withdrawal of troops.