The UNIFIL (United Nation Interim Force in Lebanon) mission was established by the UN Security Council with the Resolution 425 of 19th March 1978, after the Israel invasion of Lebanon (March 1978). Other Resolutions have extended the duration of the mission.
According to the Resolution 1701 of 11th August 2006, the UN Security Council reinforced the military contingent of UNIFIL with 15.000 soldiers that had to be deployed in Lebanon, enlarging the operational area up to the South of the Litani river.
In that context, as requested by the Lebanese Government, the UNIFIL units operate as "buffer forces" between the contenders. Italy participates to the international mission (called nationally "Leonte" Operation), contributing to the increase of the forces available to UNIFIL.
Italy has got the leadership of the Sector West Command.
For further information, go to the Defence Website.