Sun Aug 31 15:00:58 UTC 2025: **UNIFIL Mandate Extended Until 2026, Withdrawal Planned for 2027 Amidst Controversy**

**United Nations, NY** – The United Nations Security Council voted Thursday to extend the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) until December 31, 2026, followed by a planned drawdown and withdrawal throughout 2027. The decision comes amid increasing pressure from Israel and the United States, who have criticized the peacekeeping force for allegedly failing to curb Hezbollah’s influence and for providing them political cover.

Established in 1978 to oversee the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Southern Lebanon, UNIFIL has evolved into a peacekeeping mission with over 10,000 personnel from 47 countries. Its primary task is to monitor the border region and report violations of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which aimed to end hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah after the 2006 war.

Despite its mandate, UNIFIL has faced challenges, including accusations of not effectively disarming Hezbollah and criticism from locals. Some residents have grown frustrated due to the ongoing conflict with Israel and the impact on their lives. Recent incidents involving attacks on UNIFIL vehicles highlight the complex dynamics in the region.

Adding to the complexity, Israel continues to occupy at least five points within Lebanese territory despite a ceasefire agreement reached in November 2024 that was supposed to see the withdrawal of these troops, raising questions about the full implementation of Resolution 1701.

The US, under both the Trump and current administrations, has been increasingly critical of UNIFIL, viewing it as ineffective in confronting Hezbollah’s influence. This stance has aligned with Israel’s perspective, which considers Hezbollah a terrorist organization.

While the Lebanese government has welcomed the extension of UNIFIL’s mandate, calling for Israel to withdraw from occupied territories, local opinions on the peacekeeping force remain divided. As UNIFIL prepares for its eventual withdrawal, questions linger about the future security and stability of the volatile border region between Lebanon and Israel.

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