The UN Security Council unanimously voted on Thursday to end the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) by the end of 2026. This decision comes after nearly five decades of the peacekeeping mission, which was established to oversee the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon following Israel's 1978 invasion. The vote reflects pressure from the United States and Israel, who have been critical of the force's effectiveness.

Initially, the U.S. called for the peacekeeping force to be disbanded within six months. However, it later agreed to a final 16-month mandate, allowing UNIFIL to continue its operations until December 31, 2026. During this period, the force, which consists of approximately 10,800 military and civilian personnel, will be tasked with limited activities as it prepares for withdrawal.

UNIFIL's role expanded significantly after the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah, where it was responsible for monitoring the security situation in southern Lebanon. Despite its long-standing presence, the force has faced criticism from both Israel and Hezbollah. U.S. officials, including acting ambassador Dorothy Shea, noted that the security environment in Lebanon has changed, suggesting that Lebanon should take on greater responsibility for its own security.

Israel's UN envoy, Danny Danon, welcomed the decision, stating, "For a change, we have some good news coming from the UN." He emphasized that the Lebanese government must take control of the region, rather than allowing Hezbollah to maintain its influence. Danon pointed out that UNIFIL has failed in its mission to stabilize the area, as Hezbollah has gained control.

In contrast, Lebanese officials have expressed concerns about the withdrawal of UNIFIL. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam thanked countries that supported the extension of the mandate, highlighting the challenges faced by Lebanon's military, which is currently unable to patrol the entire area independently.

The resolution, sponsored by France, aims to transition security responsibilities to the Lebanese government. It calls for Israel to withdraw its forces from the area north of the UN-drawn Blue Line. However, Danon did not address the issue of Israel's withdrawal in his comments.

European nations, particularly France and Italy, have opposed a rapid end to UNIFIL, arguing that it could create a security vacuum that Hezbollah might exploit. France's deputy UN ambassador, Jay Dharmadhikari, stated that the ongoing operations of UNIFIL are crucial for Lebanon's sovereignty and regional stability.

The U.S. has expressed support for strengthening the Lebanese armed forces, urging the international community to assist in this effort. Meanwhile, Algeria's UN ambassador emphasized that UNIFIL remains essential for stability in Lebanon and the region, warning that peace cannot be achieved without addressing Israel's occupation of Arab lands.

As the UN prepares for the withdrawal of its peacekeeping force, the situation in southern Lebanon remains complex, with ongoing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.