UN Security Council Votes to End Peacekeeping Mission in Lebanon by 2027
The United Nations (UN) Security Council has unanimously decided to wind down the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) by the end of 2026, followed by an orderly and safe drawdown and withdrawal
in 2027. This decision, which came amid pressure from the United States, was welcomed by both Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon.
Background
UNIFIL was established in 1978 to oversee the withdrawal of Israeli troops following Israel's invasion of southern Lebanon. The peacekeeping force's mandate was later expanded in the wake of the 2006 war between Israel and the militant group Hezbollah. The mission, which has been in operation for nearly five decades, was due to expire but was extended through 2026 before the decision to start a phased withdrawal was made.
Key Developments and Details
The US, which initially demanded that the peacekeeping mission be terminated within a year, did not object to the French compromise that led to the decision. However, it remains unclear whether the US will vote in favor or abstain. The resolution faced delay amid criticism from the US and Israel, who argued that the UNIFIL operation, meant to separate Israel and Lebanon, was delaying the disarmament of Hezbollah.
The decision to renew the UNIFIL mission for one more year follows a compromise with the US, an ally of Israel. Over a thousand Italian soldiers are currently engaged in the mission in Lebanon. The final vote on the resolution took place following the compromise that extended the operation for another year.
Implications and Reactions
The decision to end the UNIFIL mission was widely welcomed. Israeli authorities stated that the move reflected recent 'positive developments' as Beirut moves to disarm Hezbollah. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam also expressed a positive reaction to the decision, as did Danny Danon, the Israeli ambassador to the UN, who called it 'good news'.
However, both Rome and Paris, who had opposed the cessation of the force, were defeated in their bid to extend the mission. While the US eventually acceded to a request for extension, it has now given the mission a final mandate.
Conclusion
The UN Security Council has decided to extend the UNIFIL peacekeeping mission in Lebanon until the end of 2026. This will be followed by a gradual withdrawal of the forces in 2027. The decision, which was made unanimously, comes after an agreement was reached over a compromise with the US. The move has been welcomed by both Lebanese and Israeli authorities, signalling a significant development in the mission's nearly five-decade-long history.