What happens after UNIFIL leaves Lebanon, and what might take its place? - explainer
The approaching end of UNIFIL raises questions about who will monitor the border, support the Lebanese army, and help prevent another Israel-Hezbollah war.
In a matter of days, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is set to conclude its normal operations and commence its withdrawal from the southern part of the country. The French President Emmanuel Macron is due to meet with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Jordan's King Abdullah II to discuss the future following UNIFIL's departure.
Plans are being considered for a multinational successor force, and European nations have shown interest in providing training and advisory support to the Lebanese Armed Forces. Despite this, Lebanon is lobbying for a brief extension of UNIFIL's mission. The Security Council expects Lebanon to eventually assume sole responsibility for security in the region, but the Lebanese military faces resource constraints and is tasked with disarming Hezbollah, a process fraught with political challenges.
The ultimate outcome of UNIFIL's withdrawal remains uncertain, as the role it plays and who assumes its duties remain to be seen.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
