Beirut:The United Nations is exploring ways to maintain its presence in Lebanon following the expected expiration of its UNIFIL peacekeeping mandate at the end of 2026. This was disclosed by Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, during a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.
According to Anadolu Agency, Lacroix emphasized that the UN is considering several options for continuing its presence in Lebanon and that the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has already presented these options to the Security Council. The future of the UN's role in Lebanon is based on consultations with local authorities.
Lacroix noted that the situation in southern Lebanon remains complicated due to ongoing military activities which have significantly impacted civilians. Lebanon has advocated for the sustained presence of international forces in the south, seeing them as crucial to maintaining stability.
President Aoun reiterated Lebanon's stance on the importance of UNIFIL's presence and warned that its withdrawal could lead to a security vacuum, particularly in the context of ongoing Israeli attacks and occupation of certain areas. He urged the Security Council to consider extending UNIFIL's mandate for another year to avoid negative consequences on regional security.
UNIFIL has been operational in southern Lebanon since 1978 under Security Council resolutions, tasked with monitoring ceasefires and supporting local security and stability. Despite a framework agreement for Israeli withdrawal in exchange for Lebanese army deployment and Hezbollah disarmament, Israeli attacks have persisted, causing significant casualties and displacements.
During Lacroix's visit, he also met with other key Lebanese officials, including Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and army commander Rodolphe Haykal, to discuss the future of UNIFIL's mission. Additionally, the EU Council has approved a new mission to bolster Lebanon's army and Internal Security Forces, aiming to enhance the nation's sovereignty and stability over the next three years.