World · Middle East · 14 hrs ago
South Lebanon villagers fear economic and security impact of UNIFIL exit
Residents of Ibl al-Saqi in south Lebanon fear the UN peacekeeping force’s departure will disrupt their lives.
The force, known as UNIFIL, has monitored hostilities near the Israeli border since Israel invaded Lebanon in 1978.
The UN Security Council voted to end UNIFIL’s mandate on Dec 31, 2026, after pressure from Washington.
In Ibl al-Saqi, residents say peacekeepers have helped provide jobs, healthcare, school support and a sense of security.
Many local livelihoods depend on the force, which employs residents and contracts with local businesses.
The village is near an Israeli-declared security zone established after a new war between Israel and Hezbollah erupted in 2026, and Israeli troops operate nearby.
Lebanon has called for the mandate to be extended, citing fears of a security gap and the limited resources of its army; the force’s departure is expected after its mandate ends.
Residents of Ibl al-Saqi in south Lebanon fear the planned UNIFIL withdrawal will weaken security and harm the local economy.
The UN Security Council voted in 2025 to end the force’s mandate on December 31, 2026, and the withdrawal is described as looming in 2027.
Villagers say UNIFIL has supported local businesses, healthcare, schools and community ties over decades.
Lebanon has called for the mandate to be extended, citing the risk of a security vacuum and the Lebanese army’s limited resources.
UNIFIL has about 7,500 personnel from nearly 50 countries and around 400 national staff.
- Who
- Residents of Ibl al-Saqi and the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
- What
- Villagers fear the force’s withdrawal will harm livelihoods and security.
- When
- The Security Council voted in 2025 to end the mandate on December 31, 2026; the withdrawal is described as taking place in 2027.
- Where
- Ibl al-Saqi, in south Lebanon near the Israeli border.
- Why
- The UN Security Council voted to end UNIFIL’s mandate after pressure from Washington. Lebanon has sought an extension, fearing a security vacuum.
Lebanon
UN Security Council
Mandate
Lebanon
Lebanon has called for UNIFIL’s mandate to be extended.
UN Security Council
The Security Council voted in 2025 to end the mandate on December 31, 2026.
Security
Lebanon
Lebanon says the withdrawal risks a security vacuum while the army has limited resources and hostilities prevent its deployment across the south.
UN Security Council
Not stated
UNIFIL began serving as a buffer after Israel first invaded Lebanon.
The UN Security Council voted to end UNIFIL’s mandate.
The latest war between Israel and Hezbollah erupted, according to the article.
UNIFIL’s mandate is scheduled to end.
The article describes the peacekeeping force’s withdrawal as looming.
- Village
- Ibl al-Saqi, south Lebanon
- Mandate end
- December 31, 2026
- UNIFIL personnel
- About 7,500 from nearly 50 countries
- National staff
- Around 400
- Local impact
- Residents fear losses to livelihoods, security and stability
3 sources
What people are saying
UNIFIL isn’t just business. To us, it’s family
I’m very sad they’re leaving... We’ve spent a lifetime with them.
At some point, the UN has to leave... but not in these circumstances.
We can live after the international force (leaves), but how and where and who will be responsible for us?