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Kandice Ardiel, Deputy Spokesperson for UNIFIL, stated on Wednesday that the “rhetoric” of escalation and the war of words between Israel and Hezbollah does not rule out “a widespread conflict” in southern Lebanon.
In an interview with This is Beirut, Ardiel stated that “both Lebanon and Israel have emphasized the importance of Resolution 1701 as an appropriate framework to return to the cessation of hostilities and progress towards a permanent ceasefire.”
“Despite some of the statements we hear, we know that neither party wants an escalation of violence,” she continued.
In this regard, Ardiel highlighted that “the exchange of fire has decreased in recent days” at the Lebanese-Israeli border, calling it a “welcome development.”
“Ultimately, it is the responsibility of both parties – Lebanon and Israel – to implement Resolution 1701,” she insisted. “Its success depends on their renewed commitment to full implementation and their immediate return to a cessation of hostilities.”
In this context, Ardiel affirmed that UNIFIL’s role is to support this process.
On Tuesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs submitted a request to the United Nations to renew UNIFIL’s mandate, which expires on August 31 each year.
On Wednesday, Hani Chmaytelli, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led a Lebanese diplomatic delegation in welcoming a joint delegation from the French Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defense. This visit is part of the preparations for the renewal of UNIFIL’s mandate, which will be presented to the United Nations Security Council in August. In this context, France is tasked with drafting the initial version of the international resolution for the mandate extension.
According to information gathered by This is Beirut from sources at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, no details can be disclosed regarding the request, especially in the absence of the Caretaker Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdallah Bou Habib. He began an international tour on Wednesday to continue efforts aimed at avoiding widespread war in southern Lebanon.
Ardiel pointed out that “the United Nations Security Council decides on the mandate’s renewal and that UNIFIL officials “do not participate in behind-the-scenes discussions.”
“Our peacekeepers continue to implement the mandate, focusing on de-escalating current tensions and working to restore stability” in southern Lebanon, she concluded.
