UN in talks over plan to extend Lebanon peacekeeping mission

The United Nations Security Council has opened debate on a French-drafted resolution that seeks to prolong the mandate of the UN Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) by a year, as reported by Al-Monitor via AFP on August 18th.

Reuters first reported the draft text, which states the Council would “extend the mandate of UNIFIL until August 31st 2026” but also “indicates its intention to work on a withdrawal of UNIFIL.” The resolution ties any pull-out to Lebanon’s government becoming the “sole provider of security in southern Lebanon… and that the parties agree on a comprehensive political arrangement.”

Israel and the United States have both opposed a renewal of UNIFIL’s mandate. Washington holds veto power in the Council, and observers remain uncertain whether the draft enjoys American support. Plus, the US State Department has been unwilling to answer any questions on the matter.

UNIFIL first deployed in 1978 to separate Lebanese and Israel. Since the truce that ended the recent war between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah, Beirut’s army has assumed greater responsibility in the south, dismantling Hezbollah infrastructure. Lebanon’s cabinet has ordered the army to prepare a disarmament plan for the group before the end of this year, although Hezbollah has resisted those moves.

Israel, required under the truce to fully withdraw from Lebanese territory, has maintained positions in areas it considers strategic. Its forces continue to launch strikes inside Lebanon despite the standing ceasefire, and have engaged in tense confrontations with UN blue helmets. All the while, Hezbollah warn of retribution if Israel continue to break the ceasefire.

The draft resolution further “calls for enhanced diplomatic efforts to resolve any dispute or reservation pertaining to the international border between Lebanon and Israel.” Council members will vote on the text before UNIFIL’s mandate expires at the end of August.

Al-Monitor, Maghrebi.org