Lebanon asks UN Security Council to extend peacekeeping mission

Beirut has asked the UN Security Council to extend the mandate of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in southern areas beyond its scheduled expiration on December 31, 2026.

In a letter circulated to UN Security Council members this month and seen by the Financial Times (FT), the Lebanese government said it would be “premature” to end UNIFIL’s mandate on December 31, as stipulated in a 2025 resolution, and called for the “current arrangement for a limited period of time” to be extended.

France and most other members of the UN Security Council have expressed support for Lebanon’s request during discussions at the council, three people familiar with the situation told the Financial Times. The proposal has nevertheless faced strong opposition from the Israeli government, which has long regarded the UN force as ineffective.

The push to preserve the presence of the more than 7,000-strong force comes as Israel continues to occupy a large area of southern Lebanon and carry out strikes there following its latest conflict with the Iran-backed militant group Hizbollah, which began in March. Hizbollah has rejected calls for its disarmament.

UNIFIL was established in 1978 following the outbreak of hostilities between Israel and Palestinian militant groups in Lebanon. Its mandate and size have expanded over the years.

Troops from 50 countries were eventually deployed to southern Lebanon to monitor subsequent ceasefires between Israel and Hizbollah and ensure that the area remained free of militants and illegal weapons.

By Jeyhun Aghazada