Nabih Berri warns against failing to renew UNIFIL mandate

Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has warned that failing to renew the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) would be a ‘sin’ that must be avoided. The warning comes as the current mandate is set to expire on December 31, 2026.

During meetings with U.S. Congressional members and British military officials, Berri emphasized the necessity of an international UN-flagged presence to support the Lebanese army following any potential Israeli withdrawal. He noted that while there is broad European support for the renewal, there has been American opposition due to concerns regarding Hezbollah’s activities in the region.

Berri also stated that the primary obstacle to a lasting ceasefire is Israel’s non-compliance with existing agreements. He identified the United States as the key actor capable of exerting the necessary pressure on Israel to ensure adherence to international obligations. Meanwhile, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has been engaging with officials in Washington to discuss the future of UNIFIL and potential alternative coordination mechanisms to prevent a security vacuum in southern Lebanon.