I. Introduction
1. The present report provides a comprehensive assessment of the implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) since my previous report of 15 November 2018 (S/2018/1029), including on the specific provisions of resolutions 2373 (2017) and 2433 (2018). The situation in the area of operations of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) remained generally calm, notwithstanding increased tensions owing the discovery by the Israel Defense Forces of tunnels built across the Blue Line and construction work carried out by the Israel Defense Forces south of the Blue Line in an area of Lebanese “reservation” near Misgav Am. UNIFIL and the Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon maintained permanent liaison with both parties to de-escalate tensions and continued to urge them to utilize established channels to address concerns and to refrain from any action threatenin g the cessation of hostilities. Outstanding obligations remain for both parties under resolution 1701 (2006) and there was no progress towards a permanent ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel.
II. Implementation of resolution 1701 (2006)
A. Situation in the area of operations of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon
2. On 4 December, the Israel Defense Forces informed the UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander, announced in a letter to the President of the Security Council (S/2018/1082) and notified the media that it had launched “Operation Northern Shield” to expose and neutralize tunnels allegedly built across the Blue Line by Hizbullah. In that connection, the Israel Defense Forces conducted drilling activities in multiple areas south of the Blue Line to locate the tunnels. Between 4 December and 13 January, the Israel Defens e Forces announced the discovery of a total of six tunnels: three near Metulla, across the Blue Line from Kfar Kila (Sector East), two near Zar‘it, across the Blue Line from Ramiyah, and one near Shetula, across the Blue Line from Ayta al-Sha‘b (Sector West). UNIFIL was able to independently verify the existence of five of the six tunnels south of the Blue Line. While the Israel Defense Forces informed UNIFIL that it had used explosives on 26 December to neutralize the tunnel it had identified near Shetula, the existence of this tunnel was not independently confirmed by UNIFIL. Following technical assessments carried out by UNIFIL, the Force was able to conclude that at least two of the five confirmed tunnels crossed the Blue Line (one in Metulla and one in Zar‘it) and thus constitute violations of resolution 1701 (2006). Low visibility inside the tunnels, coupled with the presence of obstacles, including cement blocks and fencing material, obstructed the technical assessments carried out by UNIFIL at the remaining three confirmed tunnel sites.
3. On 20 December, the Israel Defense Forces neutralized one of the tunnels in Zar‘it by explosive means. On 24 December, the Israel Defense Forces neutralized the tunnels in Metulla, south of Kfar Kila, by pouring liquid cement through the shafts south of the Blue Line. Two days later, UNIFIL and Observer Group Lebanon observed liquid cement seeping from premises (formerly a concrete factory and currently a poultry farm) in Kfar Kila, some 100 metres north of the Blue Line. As the cement became visible north of the Blue Line, roads leading to the premises were blocked by individuals in civilian clothes, hindering UNIFIL from properly observing the location. In coordination with the Lebanese Armed Forces, UNIFIL visited the location on 26 and 27 December. Entry to the premises was subsequently denied however by the Lebanese Armed Forces on the basis that it constituted private property. Despite repeated requests to the Lebanese authorities, the Force has not been granted access to the premises. On 29 December, UNIFIL confirmed in a statement that the factory had an opening to the tunnel, which crossed the Blue Line, and underlined that it was working in close coordi nation with the Lebanese Armed Forces to take appropriate steps to address the violation of resolution 1701 (2006). On 13 January, the Israel Defense Forces announced the completion of “Operation Northern Shield” but noted that it would continue monitoring areas along the Blue Line.
4. UNIFIL urged the Lebanese authorities to ensure immediate follow -up actions in accordance with Lebanon’s responsibilities pursuant to resolution 1701 (2006). To date, there has been no demonstrated follow-up action by Lebanese authorities in relation to the tunnels. UNIFIL will continue to convey to the Lebanese authorities the importance of adequate follow-up.
5. UNIFIL continued to observe construction works being carried out by Israeli Defence Forces south of the Blue Line. On 10, 16 and 21 December, groups of Lebanese civilians, including local officials, gathered at Mays al -Jabal (Sector East) to protest the activities of the Israel Defense Forces close to the Blue Line, and groups of protestors briefly crossed south of the Blue Line during the demonstrations.
6. On 10 January, the Israel Defense Forces began installing T-wall blocks south of the Blue Line in the area of Misgav Am across from Udaysah (Sector East), entering into one of the Lebanese “reservation” areas. Both sides reinforced their military positions on their respective sides of the Blue Line at that location, leading to heightened tensions. UNIFIL maintained troops deployed between the two parties throughout the day. Although UNIFIL called on the Israel Defense Forces to suspend their construction works in the Lebanese “reservation” area until an agreement had been reached between the parties, construction works continued.
7. In this regard, on 10 January the Lebanese Higher Defence Council convened and issued a statement, in which it “considered what [was] happening to be an aggression on Lebanese territory”. On the same day, Lebanon also submitted identical letters addressed to the President of the Security Council and to me (A/73/714– S/2019/36), stating that “Israel has committed a new violation of Lebanese sovereignty by proceeding with construction of a wall and other installations inside Lebanese territory at points along the Blue Line with regard to which Lebanon maintains a claim, near the settlement called Misgav Am”. In identical letters addressed to the President of the Security Council and to me dated 18 January (S/2019/61), the Permanent Representative of Israel stated that “…Israel is continuing its ongoing efforts to counter the threat of Hezb ollah above ground by building a physical land barrier entirely on the Israeli side of the Blue Line ”. In the same letter the Permanent Representative further stated that “…Israel’s construction of this barrier is both entirely warranted and justified ” and explained that Israel’s actions “– are purely defensive measures”.