International Peacekeeping Force in Lebanon to Disband After 2026, Following UN Security Council Decision
The United Nations (UN) peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon, known as UNIFIL, has been given a year to withdraw all personnel and equipment, following a resolution passed by the UN Security Council. The decision, which aims to make the Lebanese government the sole provider of security in the region, was unanimously approved by all 15 Security Council members.
UNIFIL was established in 1978 to oversee the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon after Israel's invasion. Its mission was expanded following the month-long 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah. During its tenure, UNIFIL played a significant role in maintaining peace and stability in the region.
However, the peacekeeping force has drawn criticism from both sides and US lawmakers. The Trump administration views UNIFIL as a waste of money that delays the goal of eliminating Hezbollah's influence and restoring full security control to the Lebanese armed forces. On the other hand, European nations, notably France and Italy, have objected to winding down UNIFIL too quickly, arguing that ending the peacekeeping mission before the Lebanese army is able to fully secure the border area could create a vacuum that Hezbollah could easily exploit.
During the one-year withdrawal period, UNIFIL is authorized to provide security and assistance to UN personnel, maintain situational awareness, and contribute to the protection of civilians and the safe delivery of humanitarian aid. The resolution does not mention any specific plans for how the Lebanese armed forces will assume full security control after UNIFIL's withdrawal. It does, however, urge the international community to intensify its support, including equipment, material, and finance, to the Lebanese armed forces.
The resolution also calls on Israel to withdraw its forces from north of the Blue Line, the UN-drawn border with Israel. The United States initially demanded that the force be ended in six months but voted for a final 16-month mandate. Trump administration political appointees have secured major cuts in US funding for UNIFIL and aim to shut down the peacekeeping force as soon as possible.
UNIFIL has been in southern Lebanon for nearly five decades, monitoring the security situation in the region for decades. The Lebanese government states that its forces are not yet capable of assuming full control, raising concerns about the stability of the region during and after UNIFIL's withdrawal. The resolution's implementation and the transition of security responsibilities to the Lebanese armed forces will be closely watched by the international community.
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