Ongoing tensions persist in Southern Lebanon despite a recent ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. The UNIFIL, including French troops, is actively patrolling the border to prevent hostilities. Restoration efforts focus on clearing blocked roadways and ensuring safety from explosives. French soldiers remain vigilant amid sporadic violence, navigating a complex relationship with the local population, which often supports Hezbollah. The situation remains precarious, with military operations aimed at maintaining peace in a volatile environment.
Ongoing Tensions in Southern Lebanon
Despite the fact that over three weeks have passed since a tenuous ceasefire was established between Israel and Hezbollah, Southern Lebanon continues to be one of the most volatile regions globally. While the truce remains intact for now, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which includes 600 French troops, has resumed its patrols along the blue line that delineates the border between the two factions. Their primary mission is to oversee both parties and ensure that hostilities do not reignite.
Restoration Efforts and Safety Precautions
For the French military, accompanied by a team on the ground, the immediate focus is on clearing and restoring roadways to facilitate patrols following 13 months of conflict. Many routes were intentionally blocked by Israeli forces during recent military operations in the region.
The French soldiers work diligently to remove debris and earth that have been used to obstruct vital pathways. They utilize construction machinery and are supported by sniffer dogs to ensure the area is free of explosives. This operation is particularly sensitive due to the presence of Hezbollah in the vicinity. Any anti-tank mines discovered are swiftly neutralized to protect civilians and prevent them from falling into the hands of combatants.
The scars of war are still evident in the landscape. As a soldier points out, *“For instance, just ahead, ten meters away, there lies an unexploded mortar shell with intact fins.”* Occasionally, distant explosions can be heard, leading to uncertainty about their source. *“Is it Israel or Hezbollah? We can’t say for sure. There are still sporadic impacts and gunfire,”* he adds.
While the ceasefire in Southern Lebanon stands, both sides must remain alert. At night, the airbase occupied by French forces is filled with the constant hum of Israeli drones surveilling the area for any suspicious activity. The base is fortified with several bunkers that provide shelter for soldiers during alerts, particularly during the height of the conflict when they sometimes had to stay in these shelters for up to 16 hours due to surrounding hostilities.
Despite the destruction in the nearby vicinity, including a house almost 500 meters from their base, the French troops have maintained their presence in the area, even in the face of bombardments that have occasionally targeted them. Colonel Geoffrey de Hauteclocque, leading the battalion, emphasizes, *“The primary role of UNIFIL is to gather intelligence, ensuring the international community is accurately informed about the situation.”*
As patrols continue post-ceasefire, the French forces aim to observe interactions with the local population, which largely aligns with Hezbollah in the region. *“They may greet us warmly with waves, but they can also express hostility,”* notes a French soldier as they prepare for a three-hour patrol. With four vehicles, they navigate through several villages close to the Israeli border, where portraits of Hezbollah fighters are displayed alongside their flags.
In this charged environment, French soldiers remain vigilant. *“We are authorized to defend ourselves within legitimate boundaries, meaning we can retaliate if necessary,”* states Colonel Hauteclocque. In areas where tensions run high and locals display aggressive behavior, the patrols are not hesitant to withdraw. The region remains a volatile powder keg, where maintaining peace is a delicate endeavor.