Analysis of UNSCRs for UNIFIL MTF’s Military Planning Process: Focused on Mandate Implementation in the Maritime Domain

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCRs) that guide the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) Maritime Task Force (MTF), the first and only Naval Task Force in UN peacekeeping missions. Spanning from 2006 to 2023, the analysis focuses on transforming conceptual UNSCRs into actionable missions assigned to the UNIFIL MTF through the UN’s Military Planning Process. The methodology involves a review of the relevant UNSCRs and a detailed mandate and implementation analysis. The study reveals a significant shift in the UNIFIL MTF’s mission, transitioning from Phase One (2006-2017), which emphasized establishing the naval presence system, to Phase Two (2018-2023), focusing on building the capacity of the Lebanese Navy. It clarifies that the MTF's initiative to reduce the number of its naval vessels, while enhancing the Lebanese Navy's capabilities, is a strategic realignment consistent with Phase Two's objectives, rather than a decrease in overall mission strength. Furthermore, this research establishes the UNIFIL MTF as a model for future maritime peacekeeping missions. It provides critical insights into translating UNSCR mandates into practical maritime operations, setting a precedent for similar future missions in the maritime domain. The study also serves as a foundational case study, highlighting the necessity of integrating legal knowledge with maritime operational and planning expertise.