After over four decades, the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon is on the verge of wrapping up! The Security Council is voting on a resolution to cease operations by 2026. What does this mean for regional stability and Lebanon’s future? The debate has been intense.
The United Nations Security Council is poised to make a landmark decision that will profoundly reshape the security landscape of southern Lebanon, with a vote scheduled to terminate the more than four-decade operation of its peacekeeping force, UNIFIL, by December 31, 2026. This resolution marks a pivotal moment in international relations, signaling a shift in strategy concerning the volatile border region and the long-standing presence of UN missions.
Established in 1978 following Israel’s invasion, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) initially served to oversee the withdrawal of Israeli troops. Its mandate was significantly expanded after the devastating 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah, tasking the force with monitoring a cessation of hostilities, accompanying and supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces, and helping ensure humanitarian access, crucial for Lebanon peacekeeping efforts.
Diplomatic efforts preceding the vote revealed intense negotiations, particularly concerning the timeline for UNIFIL’s cessation. While the United States had initially pushed for a swifter termination within a year, it ultimately did not object to a French-drafted resolution proposing an end date of December 31, 2026. This consensus among key UN Security Council members suggests the resolution is likely to pass, though the specifics of the U.S. vote — whether in favor or an abstention — remained under wraps.
Should the resolution pass, UNIFIL’s mandate will officially conclude, initiating a comprehensive withdrawal process for its 10,800 military and civilian personnel, along with their extensive equipment. This phased withdrawal is slated to commence immediately after the resolution’s adoption, with close consultation with the Lebanese government, aiming for completion within a year from the final termination date, impacting Middle East security dynamics.
A core objective articulated within the draft resolution is to empower the Lebanese government as the exclusive security provider in southern Lebanon, particularly in the critical area north of the U.N.-delineated Blue Line with Israel. Concurrently, the resolution calls upon Israel to withdraw any of its forces from north of this internationally recognized boundary, reinforcing the principle of Lebanese sovereignty and territorial integrity and setting new precedents for international relations.
Despite its long-standing presence and critical role in maintaining a fragile peace, UNIFIL has faced considerable scrutiny. Critics, including a number of influential U.S. lawmakers, have argued that the mission represents a significant financial expenditure that potentially delays the ultimate goal of the Lebanese armed forces assuming full security control, questioning the effectiveness of certain UN missions.
European nations, including France and Italy, voiced concerns about an overly rapid withdrawal, cautioning that a premature end to the Lebanon peacekeeping mission, before the Lebanese army is adequately prepared, could inadvertently create a security vacuum. This highlights the delicate balance between fostering national security capabilities and maintaining regional stability through international support and strong international relations.
During the interim one-year withdrawal period, the draft resolution outlines specific limited authorizations for UNIFIL. These include providing security and assistance to U.N. personnel, maintaining situational awareness around UNIFIL locations, and contributing to the protection of civilians and the safe delivery of humanitarian aid, all strictly within the established limits of its operational capacities for Middle East security.
