UN chief: Vital to keep a UN force in Lebanon after current peacekeepers depart

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed the necessity of sustaining a UN peacekeeping presence in Lebanon beyond the current mission's mandate, which concludes at year-end. In a report submitted to the Security Council, Guterres outlined three distinct options for the force's composition, with personnel numbers varying from approximately 2,000 to more than 5,500.

"Under all proposed options, a uniformed United Nations presence working to facilitate de-escalation, dialogue, liaison and coordination, and support for the Lebanese Armed Forces, would be necessary... towards the overarching objective of a long-term solution to the conflict," the report states. This recommendation comes as Israeli troops remain stationed in southern Lebanon's border areas, and as Israel and Lebanon engage in direct negotiations to end their long-standing hostilities.

Lebanon's officials have indicated a preference for retaining an international presence under the UN's auspices, even if the force's size or specific mission objectives are modified. One Lebanese official, speaking anonymously, confirmed this desire for a UN-umbrella presence post-mandate expiry. A second official described maintaining some form of UN force, potentially with adjustments, as "crucial."

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has served as a buffer between Lebanon and Israel since 1978. However, its presence has not consistently prevented conflict outbreaks in the volatile region. The current UNIFIL force comprises about 7,500 peacekeepers from nearly 50 countries, deployed near the Blue Line, the de facto border separating Lebanon and Israel.

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Under all proposed options, a uniformed United Nations presence working to facilitate de-escalation, dialogue, liaison and coordination, and support for the Lebanese Armed Forces, would be necessary... towards the overarching objective of a long-term solution to the conflict.