UN team in Lebanon explores solutions for border region with Israel post-peacekeeper withdrawal

BEIRUT A delegation from the United Nations arrived in Lebanon on Saturday to assess future arrangements for the border region with Israel following the scheduled conclusion of a long-standing UN peacekeeping mission at the end of next year.

The team, representing all 15 members of the U.N. Security Council, met with Lebanese officials, including Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, who emphasized the need for a successor force in southern Lebanon to prevent a security vacuum once the peacekeepers leave.

In August, the Security Council unanimously decided to end the mandate of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) at the close of 2026, nearly fifty years after its establishment. The multinational contingent has been central to monitoring regional stability, including during last years conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

UNIFIL has historically supported the enforcement of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701, which concluded the 34-day Israel-Hezbollah war in 2006 and was again referenced to end the recent 14-month conflict, culminating in a U.S.-brokered ceasefire in November.

We are using this visit to explore how resolution 1701 can continue to be implemented after UNIFIL departs, said Samuel bogar, Slovenias permanent representative to the U.N. and Security Council president. We look forward to the Secretary-Generals recommendations on this matter. This issue will require detailed discussions throughout 2026.

During their visit, the delegation held meetings with top government officials and the Lebanese army commander, and traveled to southern Lebanon to inspect the border area with Israel firsthand.

The most recent conflict between Israel and Hezbollah erupted shortly after Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. Hezbollah responded with rocket fire in support of Hamas, prompting an Israeli military campaign that significantly weakened Hezbollahs capabilities.

Author: Grace Ellison