UN (AP) – The Security Council was scheduled to vote on a resolution to close the project for more than four years on Thursday. United Nations Peacekeeping Force It was in southern Lebanon on December 31, 2026.
Two council diplomats said late Wednesday that the US, which had requested that the army known as Unifil be terminated in a year, had not opposed to France’s draft resolution with its end date in 16 months.
It shows that the resolution will be approved, but it was not clear whether the US would vote in favor or refrain, the diplomat said.
The Unifil was created to oversee the withdrawal of Israeli forces following the 1978 invasion of Israel. The mission is Israel and Extremist group Hezbollah.
The resolution will end UNIFIL’s mission and halt the operation at the end of 2026. The process of withdrawing 10,800 military and civilian staff and equipment will begin in consultation with the Lebanese government, which will be completed within a year.
The draft says the goal is to make the Lebanese government the “sole provider of security” in southern Lebanon, north of the undrawn border with Israel known as the Blue Line. They are calling on Israel to withdraw its forces from the north of the blue line.
For decades, multinational forces have played a key role in monitoring the security situation in Southern Lebanon. Israeli-Hezbollah War Last year, however, it has attracted criticism from both sides and many U.S. lawmakers, some of whom are currently playing a prominent role in President Donald Trump’s administration or using new influence with the White House.
Trump administration’s political appointee I entered the office to do it Shut down Unifill As soon as possible, we significantly cut US funds for the military.
They see this surgery as a waste of money simply delaying the goal. Eliminate the effects of Hezbollah Restores full security controls to the Lebanese army. The government says its forces still cannot take full control.
European countries, particularly France and Italy, opposed Unifil to being too fast. They said that it would be necessary for the Lebanese army to end the peacekeeping mission before it fully secures the border area. A vacuum that can be easily utilized by Hezbollah.
During the one-year withdrawal period, the resolution states that UNIFIL is permitted to provide security and support to UN officials, “maintain situational awareness near UNIFIL’s location,” and contribute to the protection of civilians and the safe provision of humanitarian assistance “within its capabilities.”
The draft urges the international community to “enhance its support, including equipment, materials and finance.”
