There has been a long-standing debate on the merits and drawbacks of UNIFIL, the UN “interim” peacekeeping operation established by the UN Security Council (UNSC) in the aftermath of the 1978 Israeli invasion of Lebanon. This study contributes towards a greater understanding of the nature of peace-keeping operations in the Middle East through its overview of the two phases of UNIFIL’s 30-year intervention in Lebanon. Viewing this force as part of a broader regional solution, this report offers concrete recommendations directed mainly at those EU Member States most heavily involved in UNIFIL II, in the hope of rendering their contribution more effective, avoiding recurrent pitfalls, and of finally reaching the set objectives – of not only down-sizing their participation, but also successfully implementing a viable and just peace that ensures shared human security and mutual economic prosperity for Israel and Lebanon alike.