Comprehensive review of the whole question of peacekeeping operations

in all their aspects (item 53)

29 October 2013

Benjamin Sharoni – State of Israel

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Israel finds itself in a region of the world where peace-creation remains elusive, but peacekeeping operations are needed to maintain stability.  For decades, Israel has maintained close cooperation with various UN peacekeeping missions.

As we speak, the Middle East is in flames. Millions of people have taken to the streets demanding better lives, better economies and greater opportunities.  The region continues to be characterized by bloodshed, repression, chaos and instability.

Mr. Chairman,

Before continuing, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Security Council for extending the UN Disengagement Observer Force mandate for another six months. 

We regret the recent withdrawals of certain countries from UNDOF as Israel attaches great importance to UNDOF’S activities and its efforts to maintain regional stability and prevent further escalation. 

I also want to thank the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and the states that have stepped forward to maintain the UN’s strategic presence, including Ireland, Fiji and Nepal. India and the Philippines also deserve recognition for their steadfast contributions to UNDOF in the face of recurrent attacks on their soldiers

Israel supports the strengthening of UNDOF forces and considers it fundamental that UNDOF’s strengthening not be achieved on account of any reduction in UNIFIL’s abilities, be it in terms of personnel, budget or other resources.

Finally, Israel commends UNDOF commander, General Singah, for his strong leadership and ongoing efforts in the face of the current challenges. 

Mr. Chairman,

The violence that has shaken Syria is sending shockwaves through our region. No one with a conscience can stand by as the people of Syria continue to be massacred - whether by chemical weapons or the routine brutality of the Assad regime.  We are horrified by the pain and suffering that the Syrian people have endured. As we speak our hand is extended to the people of Syria.  And we will continue to offer humanitarian assistance to all those who need it regardless of race, religion or gender.

For two years, Israelis have lived with a war that threatens to spill over into their backyards.  Mortar shells have rained down on our communities and Syrian tanks and armored vehicles have violated the ‘Area of Separation’ in breach of the 1974 Separation of Forces Agreement.  These actions have served to further escalate tensions in a region fraught with uncertainty.

Mr. Chairman,

Israel also attaches importance to the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) as a stabilizing force in our region.  

I would like to take this opportunity to thank UNIFIL commander, General Serra, for his leadership amidst the current challenges. We also thank the Troop Contributing Countries for their ongoing support.

With tensions and volatility escalating, Israel re-affirms its commitment to Resolution 1701 and calls on our neighbors to do the same.  We also call on our neighbors to raise minor complaints in the trilateral forum as it is the most effective forum in which to address routine incidents.

Mr. Chairman,

The relative calm in Southern Lebanon is deceptive.  This past September alone, there were 72 incidents in which Lebanon breached Israeli sovereignty and violated Resolution 1701.  For years, the Government of Lebanon has violated its international obligations in regards to the Blue Line separating Israel and Lebanon. 

While the government of Lebanon turns a blind eye to these violations, Hezbollah continues to build an army equipped with tens of thousands of missiles – more than the stockpiles of many NATO members.  To make matters worse, Hezbollah now has access to a large stockpile of strategic weapons. 

This month, the Secretary-General published the 18th semi-annual report on the implementation of Security Council resolution 1559.  In his report, the Secretary-General says, and I quote, "The maintenance by Hezbollah of sizeable, sophisticated military capabilities creates an atmosphere of intimidation and represents a key challenge to the safety of Lebanese civilians and to the government monopoly on the legitimate use of force."

Article 29 of the Report refers to Hezbollah's continuing exploitation of civilian areas and of the civilian population for military purposes.  By operating amongst civilians and directing attacks against civilians, Hezbollah is committing double war crimes.   

Article 29 of the report also notes that Hezbollah openly acknowledges that it maintains and expands a substantial military capacity.  The Secretary-General goes on to say that the increasing involvement of Hezbollah in Syria may lead to spillover in Lebanon. We have already seen the repercussions from Hezbollah's involvement in Syria in the form of car bombs and rockets exploding in the center of Beirut.

The Secretary-General reiterated his previous comments calling on the Lebanese Government and the Lebanese Armed Forces to take all necessary steps to stop the flow of weapons to Hezbollah.

Mr. Chairman,

As we speak, an earthquake is shaking the Middle East to its core. It is rattling the political structures and institutions that have held the region stagnant for decades.  The aftershocks of this earthquake are being felt throughout the world and it is necessary for a brave few to stand in defense of the values we hold dear – liberty, democracy, and peace. 

Israel supports the UN forces serving on its borders and acting as a stabilizing force in the region. However, history has shown that we simply cannot rely on others to ensure our security.  From our earliest days as a nation, we have had to defend our borders from those who sought our annihilation.  Israel has always known that in difficult times it will always need to defend itself and that may mean by itself.

Israel pays tribute to the brave men and women from countries across the world who serve in UN peacekeeping operations.  We thank them for their dedication and commend them for their commitment.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.