Australia has deployed personnel in support of this operation since 1956 when it was put in place to monitor the truce following the 1956 Suez War between Egypt and Israel (which was supported by the UK and France). It remains Australia's longest continuous commitment to Peacekeeping Operations. The fact that it has been in place for nearly 60 years is a measure of the instability that grips the region.
Australia has generally deployed 12 people at a time, each for a 12 month tour of Duty. It is estimated that some 700 Australians have served with UNTSO in that time. The operation to deploy support and replace Australian personnel is named "Operation Paladin".