freedom,” the soldier remarks, showcasing a sense of pride intertwined with solemnity.
Our surroundings are eerily quiet, yet the tension is palpable. The soldier’s tone both reassures and emphasizes the gravity of the conflict.
In the distance, the picturesque scenery of the coast seems almost a cruel contrast to the reality of life here on the frontline.
The stark divide between the two nations is not just marked by borders but by profound human experiences and emotional scars.
Such is life at the border of Israel and Lebanon: a place where the allure of nature is overshadowed by the haunting echoes of conflict.
Looking back on what we’ve witnessed, there’s a heavy recognition of the cost, both human and economic, of this ongoing struggle.
As we navigate through the region, one can’t help but reflect on the lives caught in this perpetual cycle of tension and strife.
The soldiers continue their mission, resolute and unwavering, understanding that their role is paramount in the quest for peace and stability.
It is a life of vigilance, one that demands great sacrifices, often leaving behind dreams and aspirations.
In their eyes, a story is told—a saga of resilience and determination amidst the chaos.
“freedom,” asserted Lt Col Herzberg.
However, he maintains that this conflict was entirely unnecessary, attributing the blame to the United Nations. For nearly twenty years, following the conclusion of the 2006 war, UN peacekeepers have been present in this region, and Lt Col Herzberg emphasizes that they have failed to fulfill their responsibilities.
‘Had they performed their duties, we wouldn’t be engaged in conflict’
Resolution 1701, which facilitated a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, mandated the removal of all militia groups from the area spanning the border to the Litani River, nearly 20 miles distant.
In actuality, this has never transpired. Hezbollah has constructed tunnels and smuggled in weaponry and personnel.
“The UN has been present since 2006, and their mission is to eliminate any armed groups in southern Lebanon aside from the Lebanese armed forces,” Lt Col Herzberg explained.
“Evidently, they have failed to achieve this, as we are currently engaging with Hezbollah forces in southern Lebanon. We have located some of Hezbollah’s positions almost directly beneath the UN bases.”
“What has been their activity over the past eighteen years? If they had executed their responsibilities effectively, we wouldn’t be embroiled in this conflict.”
Kandice Ardiel serves as the deputy spokesperson for UNIFIL, the UN’s contingent in Lebanon. She acknowledged that the ceasefire had indeed not been enacted.
“We have never refuted the existence of problems, which is why our mission continues here. We have persistently observed and recorded the growth of such issues,” she stated.
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“We have observed footage, including one depicting a tunnel located a few hundred meters from one of our bases in Lebanon. However, we are here at the behest of the Lebanese government, and we must rely on the Lebanese army to grant us access. Peacekeepers cannot independently enter private properties without authorization. Such permission was never granted to us.
“Engaging in peacekeeping efforts presents its own set of challenges. Neither side has shown complete commitment to Resolution 1701. This has been evident from the outset, and the current situation reflects that deep-seated mistrust.”
