UN Security Council Extends UNIFIL Mandate Until End of 2024

Strategic Insights -

The UN Security Council has granted a unanimous extension to the mandate of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) until 31 December 2024, with a planned drawdown and withdrawal of personnel to begin in January 2025. The resolution, adopted on Thursday, also calls for the Secretary-General to present options by 1 June 2024 for the future implementation of resolution 1701, which aims to establish a permanent end to fighting between Israel and militant groups in Lebanon.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UN Security Council has extended the mandate of UNIFIL until 31 December 2024, with a planned drawdown and withdrawal of personnel to begin in January 2025.
  • The resolution stipulates that UNIFIL will continue to provide security and assistance to UN personnel, while maintaining situational awareness around UNIFIL outposts and bases during the withdrawal period.
  • UNIFIL is authorized to contribute to the protection of civilians and the safe civilian-led delivery of humanitarian assistance during the withdrawal period.
  • The resolution calls on the Secretary-General to present options by 1 June 2024 for the future implementation of resolution 1701 to establish a permanent end to fighting between Israel and militant groups in Lebanon.
  • The drawdown and withdrawal of UNIFIL personnel will be carried out in close consultation with the Lebanese Government.
  • UNIFIL has played an important role in monitoring security in southern Lebanon since its establishment in 1978.
  • The mission's "blue helmets" are mandated to implement resolution 1701, which brought an end to hostilities between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants in 2006.
  • UNIFIL has been supporting the national army's (LAF) mission to establish full control of the south since the formal end of fighting between the two sides last November.

Statistics:

  • The UN Security Council resolution extends the mandate of UNIFIL until 31 December 2024.
  • The planned drawdown and withdrawal of personnel will begin in January 2025.
  • UNIFIL personnel will continue to provide security and assistance to UN personnel, maintain situational awareness, and contribute to the protection of civilians and humanitarian assistance during the withdrawal period.
  • The Secretary-General is required to present options by 1 June 2024 for the future implementation of resolution 1701.

Sources:

  • United Nations: "UN Security Council Adopted Resolution 2453 (2018)"
  • United Nations: "Background Note on UNIFIL"
  • United Nations: "Security Council Resolutions on Lebanon"