Lebanese President Urges UNIFIL Troops to Stay Amid Tensions with Israel and Hezbollah

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun publicly expressed his preference for extending the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in southern Lebanon. This statement came despite a UN Security Council decision from August 2025 mandating the withdrawal of UNIFIL troops by the end of 2026. Aoun emphasized that Lebanon favors either prolonging UNIFIL's presence or adopting a formula that ensures continued international forces alongside the Lebanese army, operating legally and in coordination to maintain stability and fulfill their missions.

Aoun accused Israel of pushing for UNIFIL's removal for nearly a year, although the withdrawal is based on a UN resolution. He argued that keeping international forces alongside the Lebanese military would strengthen Lebanon's state and army roles and preserve regional stability. UNIFIL, deployed since 1978 with about 7,500 personnel from 50 countries, has not prevented multiple conflicts between Israel and Lebanon, including wars in 1982, 2006, and 2024.

These remarks follow seven rounds of talks between Lebanon and Israel aimed at changing the situation in southern Lebanon and removing Hezbollah militants. A pilot phase began about a month ago, but Lebanese army forces have struggled to control the area or conduct necessary operations due to fears of Hezbollah retaliation. As UNIFIL’s mandate nears its end, Aoun’s call to retain international troops may reflect concerns over potential clashes between Lebanese forces and Hezbollah fighters.