Beirut: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun called Monday for extending the mandate of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), emphasizing its role in maintaining stability in the country's south. During a meeting with a parliamentary delegation, Aoun highlighted the significance of UNIFIL's presence in supporting residents and strengthening stability in cooperation with the Lebanese army, as referenced in a presidency statement.

According to Anadolu Agency, Aoun stressed that the primary goal is to extend UNIFIL's mandate. However, if this is not achieved, he proposed a secondary option to adopt a formula ensuring the continued presence of international forces in the south, aligned with the necessary legal framework. The President underscored the importance of these forces in supporting stability in collaboration with the Lebanese army.

Aoun noted that Israel opposes UNIFIL's presence and has been pressing against it for almost a year, whereas Lebanon remains firm in its demand for the force's continued presence. He emphasized the need to achieve a breakthrough that guarantees an ongoing international presence in the south, whether through extending UNIFIL's mandate or by supporting it with international forces, to preserve stability and enhance the role of the state and the Lebanese army.

Deployed since 1978, UNIFIL monitors the ceasefire along the Lebanese-Israeli border and supports the Lebanese Armed Forces in southern Lebanon. Its current mandate is due to expire on December 31, 2026. This development occurs amid heightened tensions along the Lebanese-Israeli border, following deadly Israeli attacks on Lebanon that have resulted in over 4,300 deaths, more than 12,300 injuries, and the displacement of over 1 million people since March 2, according to official Lebanese figures.