UN peacekeeping chief in Lebanon says smooth transition is critical before pull-out

Major General Diodato Abagnara of Italy, head of United Nations peacekeepers in Lebanon, emphasized on Saturday the critical importance of a smooth transition before the UN force withdraws at the end of this year. The UN peacekeeping force, UNIFIL, has been monitoring hostilities in southern Lebanon for nearly five decades. Following a new war triggered by Iran-backed Hezbollah's attack on Israel in March, the force has provided security escorts for humanitarian aid convoys to Christian Lebanese towns, while much of the rest of southern Lebanon has seen displacement of its residents due to Hezbollah's infiltration into civilian areas.

The UN Security Council has mandated UNIFIL's withdrawal, sparking concerns over the continuity of aid deliveries and the transfer of positions to Lebanese troops. Abagnara highlighted that other UN agencies are present in the region, stressing the need for a seamless transition to these entities or a new mission. He also mentioned ongoing collaboration with the UN country team to ensure humanitarian assistance and information sharing with the Lebanese army regarding sensitive areas.

Abagnara acknowledged the challenges in transferring some of UNIFIL's posts to Lebanese troops, as more than half of these positions are located within areas that Israel took control of after clearing Hezbollah's terror infrastructure. He further criticized Israel for demolitions near UN positions, claiming it violates UN Security Council resolutions. However, Israel maintains that it is destroying Hezbollah infrastructure in the region.

Lebanese army efforts to disarm Hezbollah and assume control over southern Lebanon have been unsuccessful, prompting a diplomatic effort to address the power vacuum left by UNIFIL's departure. While Lebanon seeks an extension, other nations have discussed establishing a new multinational mission, though the mandate remains unclear.

Abagnara expressed an extension as a "great honor," but emphasized that without a new Security Council decision, his force must conclude operations by the end of the year. He reiterates the critical importance of UNIFIL's presence in southern Lebanon, underscoring its essential role in the region.