Malaysia Reviews Peacekeeping Role in Lebanon Amid Escalating Conflict

Malaysia is reassessing its participation in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeeping mission, with a decision pending on whether to continue deploying its troops after the current mandate concludes in December.

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At the original plan, when the mandate ends at the end of this year, the planned process was to bring back the members and end the involvement in the force.

Defense Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin announced that the matter is under discussion with the United Nations, prompted by the heightened conflict involving Israel in Lebanon. Initially, Malaysia had planned to withdraw its peacekeeping contingent upon the expiration of the current UNIFIL mandate.

However, the ongoing Israeli actions have raised questions about the necessity of maintaining a UN peacekeeping presence to prevent a further deterioration of the security situation in Lebanon. Mohamed Khaled noted that the role of peacekeepers has become increasingly challenging, as they are now exposed to the risks of operating within a conflict zone, beyond their traditional monitoring duties.

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However, the continuous attacks by Israel have raised questions whether UN peacekeeping forces need to be continued in Lebanon to prevent the security situation in the country from worsening.

Discussions with UN representatives are focused on the future of the UNIFIL mission and the requirement to elevate the readiness levels of the peacekeepers. The minister acknowledged that the Malaysian Battalion (MALBATT) members are now facing direct exposure to conflict, necessitating better preparation. He also addressed the recent injuries sustained by two MALBATT members, clarifying that they were hurt by shrapnel from a nearby explosion, not a direct attack, and received treatment locally.

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From just a peacekeeping force, now they are exposed because they are in the midst of conflict and war. That is why we are discussing the need for better preparation for the members.