UN says wants stability in Lebanon as end of peacekeepers’ mandate looms

UN peacekeeping chief underscores Lebanon's need for stability as mandate of UN Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) nears end. Under-secretary-general Jean-Pierre Lacroix met Lebanese officials and representatives of contributing nations to reaffirm the UN's commitment to peace and stability in Lebanon. Lacroix thanked contributors for their critical support and reiterated the UN's strong commitment to Lebanon.

Unifil, with 7,500 personnel from nearly 50 countries, has served as a buffer between Israel and Lebanon since 1978, but its presence has failed to prevent several rounds of conflict. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun expressed Lebanon's keenness on Unifil's continued presence, citing its importance from the mission's start. Aoun warned that Unifil's withdrawal would create a security vacuum with negative repercussions for the region.

Lacroix noted that Lebanese authorities' positions, including a request for a temporary extension of Unifil's mandate, should be heard and considered. In July, 86 Lebanese lawmakers signed a letter to the UN Security Council calling for Unifil to remain with an expanded mandate. Lebanese rebel group Hezbollah's recent attack on Israel has led to ongoing Israeli occupation of a security zone in south Lebanon, where violence has decreased since a US-Iran understanding and a US-sponsored Lebanon-Israel framework.

Despite these efforts, the process has largely stalled. The EU foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, supported extending Unifil's mandate and cautioned against a security vacuum. France and Italy proposed setting up a multinational coalition to succeed Unifil.