UN chief proposes new force to replace Lebanon peacekeeping mission

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has proposed the creation of a new UN force to replace the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which currently monitors the border between Lebanon and Israel. The proposal, detailed in a letter to the UN Security Council, aims to ensure the ongoing ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel is maintained.

This initiative appears to be a strategic move to establish a new mission framework, potentially circumventing the Security Council's previous decision to terminate UNIFIL. UNIFIL, comprising approximately 7,500 peacekeepers from nearly 50 countries, has maintained a buffer presence in southern Lebanon since 1978 along the Blue Line.

Secretary-General Guterres outlined three distinct models for the proposed replacement force. The most ambitious option includes around 350 military observers supported by four infantry battalions, each with 750 troops, and a reserve force of 700 soldiers. This robust force would be capable of extensive monitoring along the Blue Line, conducting patrols up to the Litani River, investigating violations, and physically positioning itself between conflicting parties to prevent escalation.

A more intermediate option features 285 military observers, two battalions of 750 troops each, and a 450-member reserve force. This model would retain some direct monitoring and investigation capabilities but have a limited ability to separate hostile forces. The lightest option consists of 215 unarmed military observers, protected by two battalions of 450 troops each and a 350-member quick reaction force, primarily focused on observation and reporting with minimal de-escalation capabilities. All proposed options require substantial support assets.

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the new force would comprise hundreds or even thousands of troops and would be tasked with ensuring that the ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel is maintained.