A United Nations delegation visiting Lebanon has announced they came to Beirut to explore governance options for the territory along the Israeli border once the UN peacekeeping force (UNIFIL) concludes its term at the end of next year. The team represents all 15 members of the UN Security Council and began its mission one day after Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stressed the need for a follow-up force.
Planning for the Post-UNIFIL Era
In August, the UN Security Council unanimously voted to end the UNIFIL peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon at the end of 2026, roughly five decades after the council first deployed the multinational unit. Furthermore, UNIFIL has consistently played a critically significant role successfully monitoring the fragile security situation in the volatile region, including the intense Israel-Hezbollah war that occurred last year.
The eventual termination of the mission will mandate a completely new strategic approach from both the UN and regional players.
Resolution 1701 Implementation Remains Key
UNIFIL’s core mission centered on implementing Resolution 1701, the 34-day Israel-Hezbollah war in 2006 and recently halted the 14-month conflict in November last year. Security Council President Samuel Zbogar, Slovenia’s permanent representative, stated, “We wanted to use this specific visit to examine options for implementing Resolution 1701 after UNIFIL departs Lebanon.” Therefore, Zbogar indicated the council eagerly anticipates the Secretary General’s essential recommendations concerning the replacement of the force and continued border stability. He added that, understandably, this complex and significant topic will certainly require thorough, sustained conversation throughout the entirety of 2026.
The high-level delegation previously met with numerous top Lebanese officials, including the army commander, and later Saturday they carefully toured the sensitive border area adjacent to Israel.
The most recent Israel-Hezbollah war erupted a day after Hamas attacked southern Israel on 7 October 2023, when Hezbollah began firing rockets across the border in direct solidarity with the Palestinian Hamas militants.
Ultimately, Israel’s powerful, sustained response, which incorporated both heavy bombardment and a determined ground operation, severely weakened Hezbollah throughout the remainder of last year.
