BEIRUT (AP) – A delegation representing the United Nations Security Council visited Beirut on Saturday to discuss potential options for territory along the border with Israel as the mandate of the U.N. peacekeeping force, known as UNIFIL, is set to expire at the end of 2026. The delegation's visit comes in the wake of statements made by Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, who emphasized the necessity of a follow-up force to fill the expected security vacuum once the current U.N. peacekeepers depart.
The Security Council had voted unanimously in August to conclude the operations of UNIFIL, which has been in place for nearly five decades. This multinational force has played a crucial role in monitoring the security situation in southern Lebanon, particularly during hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, including the recent conflict that erupted in October 2023.
UNIFIL's primary mission has been to implement U.N. Security Council resolution 1701, which was established to bring an end to the 34-day Israel-Hezbollah war in 2006. This resolution was once again invoked to conclude the most recent 14-month conflict that was halted by a U.S.-brokered ceasefire in November 2024. Samuel Zbogar, Slovenia's permanent representative to the U.N. and the current president of the Security Council, stated that the delegation aimed to explore the implications of UNIFIL's departure and how to effectively enforce resolution 1701 moving forward.
Zbogar noted in his remarks that the delegation looked forward to recommendations from the U.N. Secretary-General regarding this pressing topic, highlighting that it will warrant extensive discussion as 2026 approaches. During their visit, the delegation engaged with key Lebanese officials, including military leaders, and took the opportunity to inspect the southern border region with Israel.
The recent escalation in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict began a day after Hamas initiated an attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. In response, Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel as an act of solidarity with the Palestinian Hamas militants. The Israeli military response included significant bombardments and ground operations that effectively weakened Hezbollah's capabilities, further complicating the security landscape in southern Lebanon.
As the U.N. prepares for the transition away from peacekeeping in the region, the discussions initiated by this delegation may shape the future security framework along the Lebanon-Israel border. The ongoing geopolitical tensions and recent military actions underscore the critical importance of maintaining stability in an area that has historically faced conflict.
