Last call for diplomacy: Implement Resolution 1701 now

Israel is once again under attack. The Hezbollah terror organisation, without any provocation from Israel, initiated on October 8, one day after the horrendous massacre perpetrated by Hamas, a large wave of attacks against Israeli cities and villages in the northern part of Israel.

Till today, Hezbollah’s 11-month assault has included 10 000 projectiles launched towards Israel from within Lebanon, killed 49 people including 12 children and wounded 375, burned close to 200 thousand square metres of forests, displaced 70 000 Israelis from their homes in Northern Israel, creating a humanitarian and security crisis that cannot be ignored.

On September 20, the IDF targeted Hezbollah’s top commanders holding a high-level meeting in which they planned a large-scale terror attack against Israeli communities, one that would mirror the horrific massacre of October 7. Israel acted to prevent this attack and protect its citizens from an imminent threat.

It should be noted that Israel has no territorial dispute with Lebanon. The reason for Hezbollah’s assault is to join its sister proxy Hamas. The head of Hezbollah, arch-terrorist Nasrallah, has stated that his attacks against Israel will continue as long as the battle in Gaza continues, where 101 innocent Israelis are still being held hostage in Hamas’ tunnels.

In the face of Hezbollah’s onslaught, and in an attempt to return the tens of thousands of Israeli citizens to their homes, Israel is doing what any sovereign nation would: defend the safety and security of all its citizens, Jews and Arabs alike. Every state has the duty to protect its people from assaults originating from enemies beyond its borders. Israel is fulfilling this obligation within the framework of international law and will continue to do whatever is necessary to ensure its citizens can return safely to their homes.

The international community is increasingly aware of Hezbollah’s destabilising role in the region. Designated as a terrorist organisation by numerous countries, including the United States, member states of the Arab League, Germany, Australia and the United Kingdom, Hezbollah took an active part in the massacres committed by the Syrian regime and is a focal factor of chaos in the region. To effectively restore stability in the Middle East, it is crucial that the global community unites in officially recognising Hezbollah as a terrorist organisation.

It doesn’t stop there. Hezbollah’s relentless offensive is driven by Iran, the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism. Iran’s fingerprints can be found not only on Hezbollah but also on Hamas, the Houthis, and a network of Shia militias across the Middle East, particularly in Syria and Iraq. Iran’s proxies are actively working to spread violence and mayhem. The Iranian regime has long sought to destabilise the region, imposing its radical ideology through violence to reshape the Middle East.

However, Iran’s ambitions go far beyond. Its influence extends into Europe, Africa, and the Americas. It threatens global security, including by providing drones and missiles to attack Ukraine, as it supports efforts that undermine peace and stability worldwide.

If the world is serious about stopping the violence and restoring stability, it will act decisively. First, the global community should increase sanctions on Iran, targeting the Ayatollah regime’s financial, military, and terror networks. Specifically, the world must officially designate Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation. The IRGC is the nerve centre of Iran’s global terrorism operations. By sanctioning and isolating this entity, the international community can cripple its ability to finance and direct groups like Hezbollah. Without this crucial step, Iran will continue to evade accountability, enabling it to pursue its destabilising goals unchecked.

The international community must act swiftly and decisively to prevent Iran’s proliferation of terror before the consequences reach beyond the Middle East. The facts are clear—the only question is whether the world will respond before it’s too late.

Furthermore, the UN Security Council should finally enforce Resolution 1701, which mandates the withdrawal of Hezbollah forces in Lebanon to the north of the Litani River. This resolution was passed to end Hezbollah’s stranglehold on southern Lebanon and prevent its attacks on Israel, yet Hezbollah continues to operate freely in that area, with Iran’s full support.

Hezbollah’s domination of Lebanon, its occupation of southern Lebanon, its reign of terror against Israeli civilians, and Iran’s unrelenting support for this terrorist organisation and its malevolent activities must be confronted. Israel stands at the forefront of this battle, defending not just its citizens but the security and values of the free world.

The threat posed by Iran and Hezbollah is undeniable. The time for action is now. Those truly committed to peace and stability in the region need to push for the immediate implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701. That’s the only way to stop an all-out war.

Itai Bardov is the Ambassador of Israel to CARICOM.