Israel Battles UN to Block Extension of UNIFIL Mandate in Lebanon

Israel is engaged in a diplomatic struggle at the United Nations to prevent the extension of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mandate, which is set to expire at the end of this year. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, supported by France, is pushing to maintain a sizable peacekeeping force of 5,000 troops and hundreds of civilian observers in southern Lebanon. However, Israel strongly opposes this, arguing that UNIFIL has failed to fulfill its mission and has indirectly allowed Hezbollah to strengthen unchecked.

Israeli officials emphasize that the original purpose of UNIFIL was to act as a buffer and report violations, but in practice, it has been ineffective in deterring Hezbollah’s military buildup or reducing tensions. Jerusalem is pressing U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a key architect of the recent Israel-Lebanon framework agreement, to veto any compromise that would keep UNIFIL in place. The new agreement aims to gradually transfer enforcement responsibilities to the Lebanese army, shifting the focus to diplomatic channels behind the scenes.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz visited the security zone along the Lebanon border, underscoring Israel’s commitment to remain in the area and respond decisively to any threats. Netanyahu described the establishment of buffer zones in Lebanon as a strategic shift to prevent Hezbollah from threatening northern Israeli communities. He instructed troops to completely destroy Hezbollah’s infrastructure, both above and below ground, and authorized immediate action against any security threats.

Netanyahu framed the developments as a new reality of mutual recognition between Israel and Lebanon, aimed at pushing Iran and Hezbollah out of the region. He warned that this stance represents a strong rebuke to the Iranian axis and will not be accepted quietly. He reiterated Israel’s firm position that its forces will not withdraw from southern Lebanon until the Hezbollah threat is neutralized.

The diplomatic battle continues in New York and Washington, with Israel coordinating closely with the U.S. ambassador to the UN and lobbying the American administration to block the UNIFIL mandate extension. Jerusalem demands a fundamental change in approach, rejecting the continuation of what it sees as an ineffective international presence in Lebanon.