**United Nations Security Council Resolution 1965**
**Definition:**
United Nations Security Council Resolution 1965, adopted unanimously on December 22, 2010, extended the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) for an additional year, reaffirming the commitment of the Security Council to maintaining peace and security along the Lebanon-Israel border.
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# United Nations Security Council Resolution 1965
## Introduction
United Nations Security Council Resolution 1965 was adopted unanimously on December 22, 2010, during the 6,471st meeting of the Security Council. The resolution extended the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) for an additional twelve months, until August 31, 2011. This resolution reaffirmed the Security Council’s commitment to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence of Lebanon, and underscored the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region, particularly along the volatile Lebanon-Israel border.
The resolution was adopted in the context of ongoing tensions and sporadic violence in southern Lebanon and along the Blue Line, the demarcation line between Lebanon and Israel established by the United Nations. It reflected the international community’s continued support for UNIFIL’s role in monitoring ceasefire agreements, facilitating humanitarian access, and assisting the Lebanese Armed Forces in maintaining security.
## Background
### The Establishment of UNIFIL
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was originally established by Security Council Resolutions 425 and 426 in March 1978, following Israel’s invasion of southern Lebanon. Its initial mandate was to confirm the withdrawal of Israeli forces, restore international peace and security, and assist the Lebanese government in regaining authority in the area.
Over the decades, UNIFIL’s mandate evolved in response to changing circumstances, including the 2006 Lebanon War between Israel and Hezbollah. Following the conflict, Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006) significantly expanded UNIFIL’s mandate and troop strength to monitor the cessation of hostilities, support the Lebanese Armed Forces’ deployment in southern Lebanon, and facilitate humanitarian access.
### The Situation Leading to Resolution 1965
By 2010, the situation along the Lebanon-Israel border remained fragile. Despite the cessation of large-scale hostilities since 2006, sporadic incidents, including cross-border exchanges of fire and violations of the Blue Line, continued to threaten stability. The Lebanese government faced challenges in extending its authority throughout the south, and Hezbollah maintained a significant presence in the region.
The Security Council, recognizing the ongoing risks to peace and security, regularly reviewed and renewed UNIFIL’s mandate. Resolution 1965 was part of this continuing process, reaffirming the international community’s commitment to supporting Lebanon’s sovereignty and the maintenance of peace along the border.
## Provisions of Resolution 1965
### Extension of UNIFIL’s Mandate
The primary action of Resolution 1965 was to extend UNIFIL’s mandate for an additional twelve months, until August 31, 2011. This extension ensured the continued presence of UN peacekeepers tasked with monitoring the cessation of hostilities and supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces.
### Reaffirmation of Previous Resolutions
The resolution reaffirmed all previous relevant Security Council resolutions, particularly Resolution 1701 (2006), which laid the foundation for the current UNIFIL mandate. It emphasized the importance of full respect for the Blue Line and the need for all parties to avoid actions that could escalate tensions.
### Support for Lebanese Sovereignty and Authority
Resolution 1965 underscored the Security Council’s support for the Lebanese government’s efforts to extend its authority throughout southern Lebanon. It called upon all parties to cooperate fully with UNIFIL and the Lebanese Armed Forces to ensure the effective implementation of the mandate.
### Call for Respect of the Cessation of Hostilities
The resolution called on all parties to respect the cessation of hostilities and to refrain from any actions that could undermine peace and security. It urged the parties to resolve disputes through dialogue and to avoid provocative acts.
### Reporting Requirements
The resolution requested the UN Secretary-General to continue providing regular reports on the implementation of the resolution and the situation in Lebanon. These reports were intended to keep the Security Council informed and to guide future decisions regarding UNIFIL’s mandate.
## Impact and Significance
### Maintaining Stability in Southern Lebanon
Resolution 1965 played a crucial role in maintaining relative stability in southern Lebanon during a period of regional uncertainty. By extending UNIFIL’s mandate, the Security Council ensured the continued presence of an international peacekeeping force capable of monitoring ceasefire agreements and deterring hostilities.
### Support for Lebanese State Authority
The resolution reinforced the international community’s support for the Lebanese government’s efforts to assert control over its territory, particularly in areas where non-state actors such as Hezbollah held influence. This support was vital for Lebanon’s sovereignty and for the broader goal of regional peace.
### Contribution to Regional Security
By promoting respect for the Blue Line and the cessation of hostilities, Resolution 1965 contributed to broader regional security efforts. It helped prevent escalation between Lebanon and Israel, two countries with a history of conflict, and supported diplomatic efforts to resolve outstanding issues peacefully.
## Subsequent Developments
Following Resolution 1965, the Security Council continued to renew UNIFIL’s mandate annually, adapting its provisions as necessary to respond to evolving circumstances. The situation along the Lebanon-Israel border remained complex, with periodic flare-ups and ongoing political challenges within Lebanon.
UNIFIL continued to operate as a key stabilizing force, working alongside the Lebanese Armed Forces to monitor the border and facilitate humanitarian access. The resolution set a precedent for sustained international engagement in Lebanon’s security and underscored the importance of multilateral efforts in conflict prevention.
## Conclusion
United Nations Security Council Resolution 1965 was a significant reaffirmation of the international community’s commitment to peace and stability in Lebanon and the broader Middle East. By extending UNIFIL’s mandate and supporting Lebanese sovereignty, the resolution contributed to maintaining a fragile ceasefire and preventing renewed conflict along the Lebanon-Israel border. It exemplified the ongoing role of the United Nations in peacekeeping and conflict resolution in one of the world’s most volatile regions.
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**Meta Description:**
United Nations Security Council Resolution 1965, adopted in 2010, extended the mandate of UNIFIL to maintain peace along the Lebanon-Israel border, reaffirming support for Lebanese sovereignty and regional stability.