The United Nations Security Council convened on Monday to deliberate a resolution proposed by France aimed at extending the mandate of the UN peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon. The resolution seeks to prolong the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) for an additional year, with a long-term goal of facilitating the withdrawal of the peacekeeping troops.
However, significant opposition has emerged from Israel and the United States regarding the renewal of UNIFIL’s mandate, raising questions about whether the draft has support from Washington, a key member of the Council with veto power. A spokesperson from the U.S. State Department refrained from commenting on the ongoing negotiations within the Security Council as discussions about the future of UNIFIL continue.
The resolution, first reported by Reuters, proposes extending UNIFIL’s mandate until August 31, 2026, while emphasizing the need for a plan to eventually withdraw the peacekeeping force. This withdrawal would depend on the Lebanese government becoming the “sole provider of security in southern Lebanon” and securing an agreement on a comprehensive political arrangement between relevant parties.
Following a recent truce that brought an end to hostilities between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah, the Lebanese army has increasingly taken a more active role in the southern region, working to dismantle Hezbollah’s military infrastructure. The Lebanese government is currently facing the complex issue of disarming Hezbollah, with its cabinet recently assigning the army the task of developing a strategy for disarmament by year’s end. However, Hezbollah has resisted such moves, complicating the situation further.
Under the terms of the truce, Israel was obligated to withdraw fully from Lebanon. Despite this, Israeli forces remain stationed in several strategically important areas and have continued to conduct strikes throughout Lebanese territory. Tensions have also surfaced between Israeli forces and UNIFIL troops, adding to the strained security landscape.
Additionally, the draft resolution under consideration calls for intensified diplomatic efforts to address any disputes or reservations concerning the international border between Lebanon and Israel. Council members are reviewing the draft ahead of a critical vote scheduled for August 25, as the current mandate for UNIFIL is set to expire at the end of the month.
