UNIFIL mission’s pending end fuels anxiety in southern Lebanon communities

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) currently operates under a mandate that expires at the end of 2026. The UN Security Council has extended the mandate until 31 December 2026, but discussions about the force’s future beyond that date are ongoing. Residents of southern Lebanon’s border areas say the peacekeeping troops have become integral to their security, livelihood and daily life.

UNIFIL monitors the cease‑fire, patrols the “Blue Line”, removes explosive tunnels, provides medical services and supports development projects. Its presence also sustains the local economy – shops, restaurants and service providers benefit from the thousands of peacekeepers, and many residents receive direct or indirect employment. Decades of interaction have forged close social ties, including dozens of marriages between UN personnel and locals.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun reiterated the country’s commitment to keep UNIFIL in southern Lebanon until the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and the deployment of the Lebanese army along the internationally recognised border. A cease‑fire has been in place since 27 November 2024, and residents fear any reduction or withdrawal of the mission could jeopardise the fragile stability.