Lebanon Urges UN Peacekeeper Extension, Clashing With Israeli Stance
Lebanon has formally requested the United Nations Security Council to extend the mandate of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), whose mission is set to expire at the end of 2026. In a letter addressed to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Lebanon's UN Ambassador Ahmed Arafa expressed his country's support for continuing UNIFIL's presence, arguing that its termination would be premature. Lebanon believes UNIFIL plays a crucial role in maintaining security and stability in southern Lebanon and assisting the Lebanese Armed Forces in extending state authority.
The Lebanese ambassador rejected three options previously proposed by the UN Secretary-General for replacing UNIFIL with smaller forces, citing a dramatic shift in the security situation. Lebanon's position is that the mandate termination decision should be reconsidered to prevent a security vacuum that could undermine government efforts and stability initiatives in the region. The letter suggests that extending the current UNIFIL arrangement for a limited period is the most practical option, considering operational, logistical, and cost-effectiveness factors, as well as the political and security realities and UNIFIL's accumulated expertise.
Conversely, Israel strongly opposes the extension of UNIFIL's mandate. Israel's UN Ambassador, Danny Danon, stated in a Security Council discussion that UNIFIL has failed for years to prevent Hezbollah's armament in southern Lebanon. He asserted that the decision to end the mandate has already been made and should not be reversed, urging the force to focus on enforcing Resolution 1701 and disarming Hezbollah in the remaining months. Israel, coordinating with the United States, insists that responsibility for security will fall to the Lebanese government and army after UNIFIL's departure.
Following Lebanon's letter, France reportedly raised the possibility of extending UNIFIL's mandate beyond its scheduled end date during a closed Security Council meeting. Other European nations have expressed general support for an extension, and a senior UN official warned of a potential security vacuum. However, the US Ambassador to the UN, Mike Wimmer, voiced opposition to the extension proposal, while Russia and China have not yet commented.
In parallel to the UNIFIL discussions, Israel and Lebanon are engaged in negotiations regarding the establishment of an alternative international force to operate in southern Lebanon. Italy, Switzerland, the UK, and Indonesia have been mentioned as potential participants, with Italy expressing readiness to take a leading role and Switzerland considering a more limited contribution. Israel has stated it will not permit countries hostile to it to participate in such a force.
