The 660 Spanish soldiers deployed in the south of Lebanon - in an international United Nations mission - continue patrolling the south of the country to prevent the escalation of tension between Hizbullah and Israel, which was reactivated on October 7 after the large-scale attack launched by Hamas. The situation is tense and, above all, unpredictable, although an extension of the conflict is not in the interest of any of the neighboring countries. In this last month there have been casualties - both combatants and civilians - rockets have hit the mission headquarters and even one of the troops has been injured. However, the Spanish contingent is in a position to continue meeting its objectives, so an immediate withdrawal is ruled out. What's more, the Ministry of Defense does not rule out sending more soldiers to the area if the escalation of the war increases and the United Nations requires it.
The acting Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles, held a video conference this Wednesday with the Spanish detachment in Lebanon to learn about the situation that the troops are experiencing from the mouth of Lieutenant General Aroldo Lázaro, in command of more than 10,500 blue helmets from 40 countries and of General Luis Fernández Herrero, who commands the Multinational Brigade of the Eastern sector, made up of 3,500 soldiers from nine countries, of which Spain contributes 660 paratroopers from the Almogávares VI Brigade.
The lieutenant general has described the situation as “tense, volatile and unpredictable”, since “a misunderstanding” can escalate the clashes, which have already caused the displacement of some 28,000 civilians to areas further north in the country. As explained by the head of the blue helmets, three scenarios have been identified. The first, the most probable; with continued but sustained confrontations. The second, less presumed; with Israel establishing sanctions at strategic points. And the third, the least possible; with a major offensive by the Israel Defense Forces to destroy the Hizbullah structure.
All eyes, in the short term, are on next Friday, the day in which one of the religious leaders of Hizbullah will address his followers to launch a message that will probably have repercussions on the war table. “We hope that the equation of sustained confrontations is maintained,” said Lieutenant General Aroldo Lázaro. This would mean that the blue helmets could continue to carry out their work as they did in 2006 during the war, although focusing on the protection of civilians.
Of course, Israel's offensive in the Gaza Strip is another factor that may provoke direct reactions in southern Lebanon. For now, according to military sources, the rules of engagement between the two contenders—attack and subsequent proportional retaliation—are being followed. But although this rule remains “valid,” military commanders have the feeling that it is increasingly “deteriorating.” “The main concern is that a miscalculation could escalate the situation and take it out of control,” Aroldo Lázaro informed the Minister of Defense.
The blue helmets have adapted the mission to the current situation. Patrols along the Blue Line are no longer done on foot, but all in vehicles. In them, they focus on avoiding the launch of rockets, but also on transmitting “urgent messages” to reduce tension and avoid these misunderstandings. All aimed at guaranteeing compliance with United Nations resolution 1701.
“We are neither enemies of Israel nor enemies of Hizbullah. This allows us to operate normally and the civilian population thanks us for our work,” reported General Fernández Herrero, who explained that procedures have been established to
In the midst of this escalation, the headquarters has received two rocket hits. In both cases, the troops were taking refuge in the bunkers, so only material damage was reported. On another occasion, the impact of a mortar projectile—the origin of which is being investigated—slightly injured a Nepalese soldier in the arm. The soldier is in the hospital recovering perfectly.
Fernández Herrero, head of the Multinational Brigade of the Eastern sector, also wanted to convey a message of tranquility to the families of the Spanish soldiers and assured that “we have prepared for this military operation, regardless of whether these are calmer or more complicated moments. , like now. And we want to tell our families and Spanish society to rest assured, since the safety of our staff is our priority. From here, we all hope that the equation of contained confrontations is maintained.”
