World · Middle East · 1 hr ago
UN reaffirms support for Lebanon as peacekeeping mandate nears end
The UN says it remains committed to peace and stability in Lebanon as the mandate of its peacekeeping force approaches its end.
UN Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix met Lebanese officials and countries that contribute to the UN Interim Force in Lebanon, or UNIFIL.
UNIFIL has served as a buffer between Israel and Lebanon since 1978, though it has not prevented repeated conflicts.
The Security Council voted last year to end the force’s mandate on December 31, 2026, while Lebanon is asking the UN to extend its stay.
President Joseph Aoun says the force remains important while Israeli forces occupy areas in southern Lebanon, and warns its withdrawal could leave a security vacuum.
Violence has decreased since a June understanding between the United States and Iran and a US-backed framework between Lebanon and Israel, but that framework has largely stalled.
The UN says Lebanon’s position must be considered, while France and Italy have proposed a multinational force to succeed UNIFIL.
The United Nations reaffirmed its commitment to peace and stability in Lebanon as the mandate of its peacekeeping force, UNIFIL, is set to expire at the end of 2026.
UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix said no decision has been made about what, if anything, will replace UNIFIL.
Lebanese officials have called for UNIFIL to stay, warning that its withdrawal would leave a security vacuum.
The UN Security Council voted in 2025 to end the force’s mandate, while the security situation in southern Lebanon has worsened since the latest Israel-Hezbollah war began in March.
The European Union has announced plans for a support mission focused on training Lebanese security forces, but it would not take over UNIFIL’s border patrol and monitoring role.
- Who
- The United Nations, represented by peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix, and Lebanese officials, including President Joseph Aoun.
- What
- The UN reaffirmed its commitment to stability in Lebanon as UNIFIL’s mandate nears its end. The future of a UN presence after UNIFIL remains undecided.
- When
- Lacroix made the statements on October 14, 2026. UNIFIL’s mandate expires at the end of 2026.
- Where
- Lebanon, including southern Lebanon and the border area with Israel.
- Why
- The UN said it remains committed to peace and stability in Lebanon. Lebanese officials want UNIFIL to stay, citing its role and the risk of a security vacuum.
Lebanese officials seeking UNIFIL’s continuation
United States and Israel, which pressed for UNIFIL’s mandate to end
UNIFIL’s future
Lebanese officials seeking UNIFIL’s continuation
Lebanese officials have called for the mandate to be extended and say its presence is important for security.
United States and Israel, which pressed for UNIFIL’s mandate to end
The United States and Israel pressed for the Security Council to terminate the mandate at the end of 2026.
Security role
Lebanese officials seeking UNIFIL’s continuation
Lebanon says the withdrawal would create a vacuum and leave the area without international oversight.
United States and Israel, which pressed for UNIFIL’s mandate to end
The United States and Israel accused UNIFIL of failing to halt Hezbollah’s military buildup in southern Lebanon.
The United Nations created UNIFIL to oversee the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon.
The UN Security Council voted to end UNIFIL’s mandate at the end of 2026.
The latest Israel-Hezbollah war began.
A U.S.-sponsored Lebanon-Israel framework was agreed, but its implementation has largely stalled.
Jean-Pierre Lacroix met Lebanese officials and reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to stability in Lebanon.
UNIFIL’s mandate is set to expire.
- UNIFIL mandate expiry
- End of 2026
- UNIFIL established
- 1978
- UNIFIL personnel
- About 7,500 from nearly 50 countries
- UN Security Council vote
- August 2025
- Lebanese lawmakers’ letter
- 86 lawmakers signed a July letter calling for UNIFIL troops to remain with an expanded mandate
2 sources
What people are saying
the Lebanese authorities were unanimous in telling us they want to keep a U.N. presence
no decision has been made so far about what kind of U.N. presence, if anything, after UNIFIL
The positions of the Lebanese authorities must be heard and taken into consideration
is keen on UNIFIL staying, considering the importance of the role that it has played from the start of its mission until today