UN Security Council Debates UNIFIL Peacekeeping Mission's Future

As of August 19, 2025, the United Nations Security Council has begun negotiations on a French-drafted resolution to extend the long-running UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeeping mission. UNIFIL was established in 1978 to patrol Lebanon's southern border with Israel, and its current mandate is set to expire on August 31.

The French draft resolution indicates the Council's intention to work towards a withdrawal of UNIFIL, with the goal of making the Lebanese government the sole provider of security in southern Lebanon. However, this would only happen if the Lebanese government is able to fully control all its territory and the parties agree on a comprehensive political arrangement.

Notably, the United States - a veto-wielding member of the Security Council - has told the Council that UNIFIL should only be extended for one final year. This suggests the US is pushing for a more rapid drawdown of the peacekeeping mission. When asked for comment, a State Department spokesperson declined to discuss the ongoing UN negotiations.

The UNIFIL mandate was expanded in 2006 following a war between Israel and Hezbollah, to allow peacekeepers to help the Lebanese army keep parts of the south free of weapons or armed personnel other than the Lebanese state. This has led to friction with Hezbollah, which effectively controls southern Lebanon despite the presence of the Lebanese army.

The French draft resolution urges the international community to provide more support, including equipment, material and financial aid, to strengthen the capabilities of the Lebanese army as it prepares to take over security responsibilities from UNIFIL.