The Security Council of the United Nations (UN) decided on Thursday, August 28, to extend the mandate of the peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon (Finul) and to program its withdrawal in 2027, a departure claimed by Israel and the United States.
Resolution, adopted unanimously, “Decides to prolong for the last time the term of the finish (…) Until December 31, 2026 and start a reduction and withdrawal ordered and safe from December 31, 2026 and within one year “.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam welcomed this decision and thanked France, at the origin of this proposal, as well as “All friends states” Security Council members “Who have shown understanding about Lebanon’s concerns”.
The finish plays an important role in monitoring the security situation in the south of the Cedar country for decades. However, she aroused criticism, including the Trump administration which decided to drastically reduce the US funding for the operation. “The security environment in Lebanon is radically different from that of a year ago, which creates a space so that [ce pays] assumes greater responsibility ”, said the American ambassador to the United Nations Dorothy Shea.
“For once, we have good news from the UN”said Danny Danon, the Israeli Ambassador to the UN, in a video message, accusing the Finul of having failed to prevent Hezbollah, the pro-Iranian party, from “Take control of the region”.
Lebanon must become “the only guarantor of security” in the south
The finish was created to supervise the withdrawal of troops from the Hebrew State in southern Lebanon after the 1978 Israeli invasion. Its mission was extended after the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah, which lasted a month. After the new conflict, in 2024, between the Hebrew State and the militant group, Lebanese officials called for the maintenance of the Finul, affirming that the army of the country, short of money and overworked, was unable to patrol the entire area by itself.
The resolution of the UN adopted Thursday – and sponsored by France – gives the finish until December 31, 2027 to withdraw its 10,800 soldiers and civilians, as well as all its equipment. During this period, the international force is authorized to carry out some limited activities, such as ensuring safety and assistance to the UN staff, or contribute to the protection of civilians and the safe delivery of humanitarian aid.
The UN resolution says that the objective is to make the Lebanese government “The only guarantor of security” In the south of the country, north of the border with Israel, drawn by the UN and known as “Blue Line”. She calls on the Hebrew state to withdraw its northern forces from this line.
European countries, notably France and Italy, have opposed an overly rapid withdrawal from the Finul. They argued that putting an end to the peacekeeping mission before the Lebanese army was able to fully secure the border area would create a vacuum that Hezbollah could exploit.
The deputy ambassador of France to the UN, Jay Dharmadhikari, praised the unanimous vote, claiming that the cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah in November 2024 placed the country of Cedar on the path of the reconquest of its sovereignty over its entire territory and towards regional stability. According to him, the operations in progress of the finish are always vital, stressing that his mandate until the end of 2026 will give the strength “Precious time (…) To work alongside the growing capacities of the Lebanese branch so that sovereignty can be extended throughout the territory ”. M. Dharmadiikari a avarti que “Any premature withdrawal could compromise or even weaken” This effort.
Fears about the stability of the region
The United States has welcomed the progress of the deployment of the Lebanese forces, said American ambassador Dorothy Shea, and will continue to work with them “To extend their capacities while Lebanon does its essential work of disarmament of Hezbollah”.
But some fear for the stability of the region after the departure of the soldiers of the Finul. The Algerian ambassador to the UN, Amar Bendjama, Arab representative to the Security Council, stressed that she “Remains essential for stability in Lebanon and in the region” By playing a key role in the de -escalation of tensions, by supporting the cessation of hostilities and allowing the Lebanese forces to deploy in the south. Declaring that the Israeli forces are still present in Lebanon in violation of the agreements passed, Mr. Bendjama warned that “Without putting an end to the Israeli occupation of Arab lands, peace and stability in the region will remain elusive.”
The resolution of the UN Security Council urges the international community “To intensify your support, particularly in terms of equipment, equipment and financing” to the Lebanese armed forces.
