UN Security Council Votes to End Lebanon Peacekeeping Mission by 2026
The UN Security Council has voted to conclude its long-standing UNIFIL peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon by December 31, 2026, aiming for the Lebanese government to assume sole security responsibility.
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Overview
- The UN Security Council aims to establish the Lebanese government as the sole security provider in southern Lebanon, north of the UN-drawn border with Israel.
- The Security Council will vote to end the UNIFIL peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon by December 31, 2026, after nearly five decades of operation.
- European nations, particularly France and Italy, expressed opposition to the rapid winding down of the UNIFIL peacekeeping mission in the region.
- The US administration under President Donald Trump advocated for terminating the UNIFIL mission and reduced its funding, influencing the Security Council's decision.
- UNIFIL was originally established to oversee the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon following the 1978 invasion of the area.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover the UN Security Council's vote on ending the UNIFIL mission in Lebanon with a neutral and balanced approach. They present the differing positions of key international actors and the Lebanese government without adopting a particular stance, focusing on factual reporting of the diplomatic process and the various concerns involved.
"The resolution would terminate UNIFIL’s mandate and halt its operations at the end of 2026."
ABC NewsArticles (4)
FAQ
UNIFIL was established in 1978 by the UN Security Council to confirm Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon, restore international peace and security, and assist the Lebanese government in restoring its effective authority in southern Lebanon.
The Security Council voted to conclude the UNIFIL mission by December 31, 2026, aiming for the Lebanese government to assume full security responsibility for southern Lebanon, signaling a transition from international peacekeeping to national security control.
European countries such as France and Italy opposed the rapid winding down of the UNIFIL mission, expressing concerns about security and stability in southern Lebanon if peacekeeping ended prematurely.
The US administration under President Donald Trump advocated for ending the UNIFIL mission and reduced its funding, which influenced the Security Council's vote to conclude the peacekeeping operation.
UNIFIL's mandate has been adjusted multiple times due to regional conflicts, such as the 1982 Israeli invasion and 2006 Lebanon War, expanding its role to include monitoring cessation of hostilities, supporting Lebanese armed forces, and aiding humanitarian efforts, with annual mandate renewals by the Security Council.
History
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