Why does Israel care about who is in the UNIFIL force?

Prime Minister Olmert rejected UNIFIL peacekeepers from countries which do not have diplomatic relationships with Israel citing specifically the countries of Indonesia, Malaysia and Bangladesh. One wonders why?

For a simple answer, go to this Jerusalem Post article that cites the IDF uncovered and destroyed a 40 meter by 2 kilometer bunker complete with phone lines, showers, toilets, air ducts, emergency exits, and poured concrete shooting positions less than 400 meters from a UNIFIL position.

This is a major construction project that occurred right under the nose of UNIFIL observers. It did not happen overnight. It would have taken weeks, if not months, to complete this structure that is over one mile long that at its closest point is about 400 meters from the UNIFIL position.

From UNIFIL’s own website,

Originally, UNIFIL was created by the Security Council in 1978 to confirm Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon, restore international peace and security and assist the Lebanese Government in restoring its effective authority in the area. Following the July/August 2006 crisis, the Council decided that in addition to the original mandate, UNIFIL would, among other things, monitor the cessation of hostilities; accompany and support the Lebanese armed forces as they deploy throughout the south of Lebanon; and extend its assistance to help ensure humanitarian access to civilian populations and the voluntary and safe return of displaced persons.

Ok, so how did UNIFIL fill they were restoring peace and security by allowing Hezbollah to emplace a 2 kilometer bunker on the Lebanese border?

So, if you ever wonder why Prime Minister Olmert wants a say in how UNIFIL is structured and its mandate, you only have to see what it didn’t do in the past.