Looking northward: an exploratory examination of Israeli perspectives on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), 1978-2017
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Date
2019-12-06
Authors
Ukashi, Ran
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Abstract
This study examines Israeli perspectives on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)’s performance between 1978-2017. The study is the first exploratory study of its kind, addressing a gap in the literature which has excluded Israeli perspectives since the peacekeeping operation was first deployed between Israel and Lebanon. Utilizing Systematic Grounded Theory (SGT) in conjunction with other qualitative methods of inquiry, the findings of the data suggest that Israelis experience a “chronic security condition” (CSC) in which conflict along Israel’s northern frontier is viewed as “normal” and “inevitable.” The study demonstrated that participants possess a generally negative view of both the UN and UNIFIL, viewing them as synonymous and unable to secure the northern frontier. This is informed by a further belief that Israel is unfairly discriminated against in international forums, which creates a perception that UNIFIL’s poor performance in preventing cross-border hostilities is partially motivated by a trickle-down effect of UN bias against Israel. Such perceptions feedback into the Israeli discourse, further strengthening this perception, which in some circumstances is justified, while in others is not. This research demonstrates the relationship between perception and reality, and the influence it has for Israelis living in northern Israel and their everyday experience with conflict and the threat thereof.
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Keywords
Peacekeeping, War, Middle East, Peace and Conflict, International Relations, Arab-Israeli Conflict, Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, Terrorism, Hizballah, Evaluation, Military History, United Nations, UNIFIL, Lebanon