U.N. Resolution 425

U.N. Resolution 425 was implemented 8 days after the March 11th, 1978 terrorist attack on two Israeli buses in the Tel-Aviv area which resulted in the death of 37 Israelis and the injury of 76 more. The resolution was deemed necessary after the IDF entered southern Lebanon to clear out the PLO terrorist bases that were located south of the Litani River. When this occured the United States began seeking a United Nations peacekeeping force for the area that Israel had occupied in order to bring about a withdrawal of the forces and the establishment of a buffer zone in the terrorist-free area of southern Lebanon. These efforts culminated in Resolution 425 during the 2074th meeting of the United Nations Security Council on March 19th, 1978 which led to the formation of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The resolution itself reads:

"The Security Council,

Taking note of the letters from the Permanent Representative of Lebanon and from the Permanent Representative of Israel, Having heard the statement of the Permanent Representatives of Lebanon and Israel, Gravely concerned at the deterioration of the situation in the Middle East and its consequences to the maintenance of international peace, Convinced that the present situation impedes the achievement of a just peace in the Middle East,

1. Calls for strict respect for the territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence of Lebanon within its internationally recognized boundaries;

2. Calls upon Israel immediately to cease its military action against Lebanese territorial integrity and withdraw forthwith its forces from all Lebanese territory;

3. Decides, in the light of the request of the Government of Lebanon, to establish immediately under its authority a United Nations interim force for Southern Lebanon for the purpose of confirming the withdrawal of Israeli forces, restoring international peace and security and assisting the Government of Lebanon in ensuring the return of its effective authority in the area, the Force to be composed of personnel drawn from Member States;

4. Requests the Secretary-General to report to the Council within twenty-four hours on the implementation of the present resolution."

Also related: United Nations Resolution 426

External link: Mideast Web copy of the Resolution