UN Peacekeeping Force in Lebanon Extended for Final Time

Strategic Insights -

A French diplomat and a Lebanese military expert say the extension of the United Nations peacekeeping force in Lebanon marks a turning point in the country's struggle to reassert state control and avert another devastating war with Israel. The U.N. Security Council voted unanimously to extend the U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) for 16 months, until the end of December 2026. After that, UNIFIL will begin a "safe and orderly" withdrawal within one year.

Key Takeaways:

  • The U.N. Security Council voted unanimously to extend the U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) for 16 months, until the end of December 2026.
  • The extension marks a turning point in Lebanon's struggle to reassert state control and avert another devastating war with Israel.
  • The U.S. shift in position was the result of extensive diplomatic efforts led by France, which was the driving force behind creating the peacekeeping force over 47 years ago.
  • The extension was intended to help the Lebanese Army complete the task of extending state authority over all Lebanese territory, in accordance with Resolution 1701.
  • The force grew significantly in size and scope after the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war, counting 10,500 peacekeepers from 47 to 50 troop-contributing countries.
  • Hezbollah has been strongly criticizing UNIFIL for failing to fulfill its mission, accusing the peacekeepers of allowing the group to strengthen its military presence in southern Lebanon since 2006 in violation of Resolution 1701.
  • The Lebanese government accepted a U.S.-proposed plan to disarm Hezbollah and tasked the Lebanese Army with preparing a strategy to enforce a state monopoly on weapons by the end of the year.
  • Israel refused to budge, insisting on concrete disarmament steps before taking any reciprocal action.

Statistics:

  • 1978: The year the U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was established after Israel's first invasion of southern Lebanon.
  • 47 years: The time span since France was the driving force behind creating the peacekeeping force.
  • 10,500: The number of peacekeepers in UNIFIL after the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war.
  • 16 months: The duration of the UNIFIL extension, until the end of December 2026.
  • 1 year: The timeframe for a safe and orderly withdrawal of UNIFIL from Lebanon.
  • 2023: The year Hezbollah opened a support front for Gaza, triggering cross-border clashes with Israel.
  • November 27: The date of a cease-fire agreement brokered by the United States and France.

Sources:

  • UPI, Aug. 29 (DALAL SAOUD)
  • French diplomatic source
  • Lebanese Brig. Gen. Hassan Jouni
  • Resolution 1701