UN Security Council Votes to Terminate UNIFIL Peacekeeping Force in Southern Lebanon
In a historic move, the UN Security Council unanimously voted on Thursday to end the UNIFIL peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon by the end of next year, succumbing to pressure from the United States and Israel.
The United States initially pushed for a six-month deadline for termination, which was later extended to a final 16-month mandate until December 31, 2026. UNIFIL will now begin the process of withdrawing its 10,800 military and civilian personnel and all UN equipment.
Created nearly five decades ago to oversee the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon, UNIFIL’s mission expanded after the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah. Despite calls from Lebanese officials to extend its presence due to security concerns, the Trump administration has long sought to shut down the operation.
Acting US ambassador Dorothy Shea emphasized the changing security landscape in Lebanon, arguing for the country to take greater responsibility for its security. The resolution aims to make the Lebanese government the main security provider in southern Lebanon.
While Algeria’s UN Ambassador highlighted UNIFIL’s role in preserving stability in the region, Israel’s Ambassador accused the force of overlooking Hezbollah’s military activities. Israel expressed readiness to engage in border talks with Lebanon if Hezbollah disarms.
The resolution also calls for increased support to the Lebanese armed forces to strengthen their capabilities. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam welcomed the decision to extend UNIFIL’s mandate and thanked supportive countries in the UN Security Council.
As the region navigates through this significant transition, the future of security in southern Lebanon remains uncertain, with key stakeholders on opposing sides of the debate.
