Operation Paladin is Australia's contribution to the UN Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO) that was established in 1948 to supervise the truce agreed at the conclusion of the first Arab/Israeli War. [1]
Involving Israel, Syria, Lebanon and Jordan, Australian personnel have supported this operation since 1956. [2] According to the Australian Department of Defence, "members of the Australian contingent may be employed in a variety of roles including staff officers in the UNTSO Headquarters in Jerusalem and military observers in a variety of locations". [1] On 12 January 1988, one officer assigned to the operation, Captain Peter McCarthy was killed when by a landmine while conducting a vehicle mounted patrol in southern Lebanon. Other Australians have also been kidnapped and assaulted during the course of their duties. [3]
In 1995, there were 13 personnel assigned to the operation, although in 2009 there were 11 personnel assigned, with the most senior being an Australian Army lieutenant colonel. [1] As of 2018, 12 personnel were assigned in an unarmed role. [4] As part of the rotation, Australians have on occasion also served as UNTSO chief of staff. Officers who have filled this role include Major Generals Ian Gordon and Tim Ford. [3] [5]