UNIFIL said that freedom of movement is a basic condition for implementing its mandate, after an incident in southern Lebanon in which local residents harassed its patrol.

The report in Al-Akhbar, Lebanon, described the recent incident that occurred amid Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, saying that he has been striving to restore security to the country.

Further, the incident took place in the midst of rumors that the UNIFIL mandate could end this year. Since pro-Hezbollah activists appear to be harassing the patrols, this might indicate that a power vacuum could be emerging in southern Lebanon that the government is not filling.

According to Al Arabiya, UNIFIL said that its peacekeepers were on a planned patrol. The patrol was “confronted by a group of individuals in civilian clothing in the vicinity of Hallusiyat al Tahta, in southern Lebanon,” the UN Interim Force in Lebanon said.

Al Arabiya reported that “the group attempted to obstruct the patrol using aggressive means, including throwing stones at the peacekeepers... one peacekeeper was struck.”

The UN organization said that “it is unacceptable that UNIFIL peacekeepers continue to be targeted.”

Al Arabiya added that “the past weeks saw several confrontations between people in south Lebanon, where Hezbollah holds sway, and UN peacekeepers.”

Given that one of its peacekeepers was beaten or struck in the recent attack, although he was not seriously wounded, UNIFIL personnel responded with “non-lethal measures to ensure the safety of the patrol and those present,” Al-Akhbar noted.

Moreover, the Lebanese Armed Forces were “immediately notified and arrived at the scene shortly thereafter.”

Lebanon's prime minister assures stability despite attacks 

Meanwhile, Salam affirmed that “the pillars of my government’s vision are restoring sovereignty and ensuring security and stability throughout Lebanese territory.”

He was speaking at the Rebuilding Lebanon: Framework for Investment and Business Opportunities conference.

Regarding Israel, Salam said that “the Israeli attacks destroyed infrastructure and impacted the lives of the Lebanese, but the people remained steadfast and determined, and companies and institutions also persevered,” Al-Akhbar added.

“We are working to regain control of all entry and exit points into and out of Lebanon, especially the Rafik Hariri International Airport in Beirut, and we will work to reopen the airport in Qlayaat,” Salam was reported as saying.

He also said that “we have disarmed over 500 weapons depots in the south, strengthened security at Beirut’s airport, and are working through diplomatic channels to get Israel to stop its attacks on Lebanon and withdraw from the five points.”

He went on to say that “restoring our country’s sovereignty is essential to building trust with the international community and encouraging investors to return to Lebanon.”

Per Salam, “An independent judiciary is the cornerstone for our country to become a center for international arbitration and redefine its role in resolving disputes.”

He also said that Lebanon was using new technology in its governance. Salam spoke about reviving Lebanon’s national library and utilizing AI and other emerging technologies.

“The collapse of Lebanon’s financial sector is the result of poor governance and impunity,” he continued, “and the country faces major challenges.”

Salam added, “We are working with the international community to ensure the safe return of Syrian refugees, and we are also working to draft a fair law to achieve justice for depositors and restore confidence in the banking system.”