Spanish Embassy in Lebanon and the UNIFIL Libre Hidalgo Brigade XXXVII
October 2022
With Security Council Resolutions 425 and 426, UNFIL was established in 1978 with the goal of confirming the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, restoring international peace and security, and assisting the Government of Lebanon in regaining effective authority in the area.
In 2006, a 34-day military conflict erupted between Israel and Hezbollah, after Hezbollah kidnapped two Israeli soldiers, starting the Israel’s 2006 war on Lebanon. The war lasted until August 14, 2006, when a cease-fire agreement was reached under UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
This resolution established a civil-military operation with approximately 650 Spanish military, among other nationalities, overseeing the neutral line between Lebanon and Israel as of today. In September 2006, with the passing of the UNSC Resolution 1701, the Spanish Armed Forces deployed to Lebanon. The majority of the contingent in Operation Libre Hidalgo is based at the 'Miguel de Cervantes' base, near the town of Marjayoun, which houses the Spanish-led Sector East Headquarters. Spanish troops are also stationed at the mission headquarters in Naqoura.