Lebanon informs UN team of need for backup force after peacekeepers' term ends

BEIRUT On Friday, Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam informed a visiting United Nations delegation that the country anticipates requiring a follow-up force in southern Lebanon along the Israeli border once the UN peacekeeping mission concludes at the end of next year.

The UN Security Council decided unanimously in August to end the deployment of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) by the close of 2026, almost fifty years after its initial deployment. The multinational mission has been crucial in overseeing regional security, particularly during last years conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

During talks with representatives of the 15-member Security Council, Salam emphasized that a successor force could assist Lebanese troops in the border region, which has become increasingly volatile since the 14-month war with Hezbollah. He suggested that a smaller force might operate similarly to the UN observer mission stationed along the Syria-Israel border since 1974.

The UN delegation, which had previously visited Syria, did not offer an immediate response. Earlier the same day, they met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, who expressed that Lebanon would welcome any country choosing to maintain forces in the south after UNIFIL departs. Aoun also highlighted the appointment of former ambassador Simon Karam to lead Lebanons delegation to a committee that monitors the US-brokered ceasefire that ended the recent Israel-Hezbollah conflict.

Hezbollah reacted angrily to Karams appointment. Party leader Naim Kassem stated on television that it represented a "concession" to Israel, but insisted it would not alter "the enemys stance and aggression." This comment referred to Israels near-daily airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon since the ceasefire began in November last year. UN reports indicate these strikes have resulted in 127 civilian deaths.

Israel conducted additional airstrikes on southern Lebanon on Thursday, targeting what it described as Hezbollah infrastructure, with prior warnings given to civilians to evacuate.

The recent conflict was triggered on October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked southern Israel, prompting Hezbollah to launch rockets in support. Israel's military response, including aerial bombardment and ground operations, significantly weakened Hezbollah's capabilities.

Author: Aiden Foster