August 29, 2025 | 06:02 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The United Nations Security Council on Thursday unanimously extended the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) for a "final" period of 16 months, with the aim of "an orderly and safe drawdown and withdrawal" of UN forces
As reported by Anadolu, the resolution sets the end date of the mandate as December 31, 2026.
France, the penholder of the resolution, highlighted the progress towards regional stability since the 2024 ceasefire with Israel, including Lebanon's efforts to reclaim its sovereignty.
"Any premature withdrawal could undermine or even weaken the efforts of the Lebanese government" in southern Lebanon, said Jay Dharmadhikari, the French Charge d'Affaires to the UN Security Council.
"The situation remains volatile, and vast collective efforts are necessary for long-term stabilization along the Blue Line," he said, referring to the demarcation line separating Lebanon from Israel and the Golan Heights.
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric stated in a press conference that Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will explore, no later than June 1, 2026, "options for the future of the implementation of Resolution 1701 after the withdrawal of UNIFIL."
Meanwhile, the mission's "liquidation" will begin after the conclusion of the drawdown and withdrawal phase, Dujarric said in a statement.
"We reaffirm our commitment to supporting the parties in their efforts to fully implement Resolution 1701 and take the necessary steps towards a permanent ceasefire and lasting stability for the people on both sides of the Blue Line," he added.
Lebanon Welcomes the Extension
Lebanon welcomed the extension of UNIFIL's mandate in the southern region of the country for the next year.
As reported by Anadolu, President Joseph Aoun expressed gratitude to all 15 members of the UN Security Council for their unanimous support for the extension, according to the presidency's statement.
He particularly lauded France, the penholder of the council, for its efforts, and the United States for its understanding of the situation in Lebanon and support for the French resolution to extend UNIFIL's mandate until December 31, 2026.
The resolution also directs the start of a coordinated and safe withdrawal of forces within one year after that date.
“Thanks also go to all other members for their valuable observations that helped bring about this resolution,” Aoun said.
He expressed hope that UNIFIL's operations over the next 16 months will provide an opportunity to stabilize the situation along the southern border of Lebanon.
Aoun stated that the final year of UNIFIL's mandate should be a period to strengthen Lebanon's sovereignty over its entire territory.
UNIFIL has been deployed since 1978 to monitor the ceasefire along the Lebanon-Israel border and support Lebanon's forces in southern Lebanon.
Israel launched a military offensive in Lebanon on October 8, 2023, which escalated into full-scale war in the following September, killing more than 4,000 people and injuring around 17,000 people.
A ceasefire was reached in November, but Israeli forces have carried out almost daily attacks in southern Lebanon, purportedly targeting Hezbollah activities.
Based on the ceasefire, Israel was supposed to fully withdraw from southern Lebanon on January 26. However, the deadline was extended until February 18 after Tel Aviv refused to comply. Israel still maintains military presence at five border posts.
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