UN Peacekeeping Mandate in Lebanon Faces Critical Review

UNIFIL Indian peacekeepers on foot patrol with Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) along the Blue Line in south Lebanon.

Following a devastating 15-month conflict between Israel and Hezbollah militants in southern Lebanon, the November 2024 cessation of hostilities created a fragile calm along the Blue Line separating the two countries.

As UN Security Council members negotiate the renewal of the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) ahead of the 31 August deadline, the mission’s future role and capacity are under intense debate.

UNIFIL has long been a stabilising presence in southern Lebanon, working alongside the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), mediating between parties, and supporting local communities. A key part of its mandate is to implement Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.

Challenges remain, including Israeli military positions inside Lebanon, Hezbollah’s arsenal, and broader questions about fully implementing Resolution 1701, which calls for a complete end to hostilities.

According to media reports, last-ditch negotiations are underway over the mission’s future, with some diplomats warning of risks to border stability, while others voice cautious support or press for a full withdrawal.

Earlier this week, UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti discussed the mission’s effectiveness, the risks of a non-renewal, and the stakes for Lebanon, Israel, and regional stability.

Tenenti said the renewal comes after a long crisis that devastated areas near the Blue Line. “Maintaining an international peacekeeping operation assists the Lebanese army in full deployment. Since November, the LAF has brought more troops south, and we have been working with them, although Israeli Defense Forces positions remain a challenge,” she said.

The Lebanese army currently lacks the capacity to be fully deployed due to a financial crisis and requires UNIFIL and international support to maintain a sustainable presence and extend state authority to the south.

“If the IDF remains in the south, the Lebanese army cannot be fully deployed. Both sides must commit to upholding Resolution 1701,” Tenenti added.

She warned that failure to renew UNIFIL’s mandate could create a vacuum in regional stability and set a dangerous precedent, making impartial monitoring difficult.

Regarding criticism, Tenenti noted, “Criticism comes with any peacekeeping mission. Some misunderstand our mandate. Resolution 1701 does not require UNIFIL to disarm Hezbollah. We support the Lebanese army in this task and operate either with them or independently.”

On UNIFIL’s future role, Tenenti said the mission is crucial to support regional stability and restore state authority in southern Lebanon. The ultimate goal is to hand over all capabilities and tasks to the Lebanese authorities, but a practical timetable is necessary to ensure lasting stability.