High-level diplomatic sources told mtv that the UN Security Council is set to meet today at 10:30 am New York time (5:30 pm Beirut) to decide on the future of UNIFIL. An agreement has been reached to extend the mission until December 31, 2026, for the last time.
Under the resolution, UNIFIL will end its mission at the close of 2026 and begin a one-year organized withdrawal, coordinated with the Lebanese government and troop-contributing countries. The goal is for Lebanon to become the sole authority responsible for security in the South.
During the withdrawal phase, UNIFIL’s role will be limited to protecting UN personnel and facilities, maintaining field awareness around its sites, escorting UN movements, evacuating staff at risk, and providing medical and logistical support. It will also continue to help protect civilians and ensure the safe delivery of humanitarian aid.
The resolution also calls for activating the mechanism linked to the November 26, 2024 cessation of hostilities agreement between Lebanon and Israel, with UNIFIL assisting in monitoring commitments and documenting violations of Resolution 1701 within its area of operations.
Once the withdrawal is completed, the mission will move to full liquidation, keeping only a small security presence to protect UN facilities in coordination with the Lebanese Army.
Under the resolution, UNIFIL will end its mission at the close of 2026 and begin a one-year organized withdrawal, coordinated with the Lebanese government and troop-contributing countries. The goal is for Lebanon to become the sole authority responsible for security in the South.
During the withdrawal phase, UNIFIL’s role will be limited to protecting UN personnel and facilities, maintaining field awareness around its sites, escorting UN movements, evacuating staff at risk, and providing medical and logistical support. It will also continue to help protect civilians and ensure the safe delivery of humanitarian aid.
The resolution also calls for activating the mechanism linked to the November 26, 2024 cessation of hostilities agreement between Lebanon and Israel, with UNIFIL assisting in monitoring commitments and documenting violations of Resolution 1701 within its area of operations.
Once the withdrawal is completed, the mission will move to full liquidation, keeping only a small security presence to protect UN facilities in coordination with the Lebanese Army.
