At a time when the conflict in the Middle East has reached a new level of intensity, Switzerland took over the presidency of the UN Security Council on Tuesday. And, for his month at the head of the body, our small country has a clear agenda: to defend its priorities, notably “building lasting peace” and “protecting the civilian population”, on an international scale. Suffice it to say that the situation in the Middle East will be addressed. But can Switzerland really play a role in de-escalating this conflict?
Well, yes and no, according to Hasni Abidi, political scientist lecturer at Unige and director of the Center for Studies and Research on the Arab and Mediterranean World (CERMAM) in Geneva. On the one hand, “the function of President of the UN Security Council leaves no room for maneuver on the decisions taken”. The specialist takes as an example Russia, president several times since 2022, which has not yet been able to assert its points of view on the war in Ukraine. In addition, “the Security Council is undermined by the right of veto,” recalls Hasni Abidi.
On the other hand, results could still be obtained, “if Switzerland does everything possible to transform its presidency into governance that obeys active and committed neutrality,” believes the expert. Switzerland has great experience and expertise in negotiation. It is much better accepted than many other countries and is therefore able to bridge divergent points of view.” In this context, she would be the ideal candidate to “contribute to a dynamic of positive discussion, particularly on the issue of the protection of civilians”. In summary: we should not expect a miracle, but small advances cannot be ruled out.
In Bern, the impact of the Swiss presidency of the UN Security Council on the conflict in the Middle East is receiving mixed reactions. National Councilor Fabian Molina (PS/ZH), for example, expects a lot. A resolution calling for an end to the conflict between Israel and Lebanon has existed since 2006. Switzerland could therefore work to ensure that it is respected. The elected official also wants a discussion to be opened between the United States, Israel and Iran, with Switzerland as mediator.
National councilor Franz Grüter (UDC/LU) is more skeptical. According to him, no de-escalation will be possible as long as Israel pursues its “legitimate objective” of disarming southern Lebanon. Furthermore, the Lucerne resident is convinced that the virtual omnipotence of nations benefiting from the right of veto risks reducing any Swiss initiative to nothing.
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