US blocks renewal of Unifil mandate in Lebanon

Until that is agreed, the US has suggested that it will continue to block the renewal using its veto power as a permanent Security Council member.

France, which is leading the effort to extend the mandate, drafted terms of a one-year renewal, noting that the Security Council “indicates its intention to work on a withdrawal for Unifil with the aim of making the Lebanese government the sole provider of security in southern Lebanon”.

But the US rejected a revised draft from France on Friday. The new draft also called for a one-year extension of Unifil and stated that the force is “planning its withdrawal,” per a copy of the draft that JNS viewed.

The revised draft calls on António Guterres, the UN secretary-general, to produce a strategic review within five months to “assess the conditions of a withdrawal of Unifil, with the objective that the drawdown of UNIFIL starts no later than August 31, 2026”/

The review would also “explore options” after Unifil withdraws for implementation in the future of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which calls for a permanent end to hostilities between Israel and Lebanon and insists that Hezbollah and other non-state actors disarm.

There is also to be a “restoration of Lebanese sovereignty throughout the country,” according to the draft that JNS viewed.

Lebanese forces would be redeployed, aided by UN “tools”, south of the Litani River, in an area which Hezbollah has controlled.

Washington is still willing to support a mandate extension but wants a phased withdrawal to begin immediately, a US diplomatic source told JNS.

The Israeli government said on Monday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “acknowledges the significant step taken” by the Lebanese government, noting the latter’s effort to disarm Hezbollah by year’s end is a “momentous decision” that “marks a crucial opportunity for Lebanon to reclaim its sovereignty and restore the authority of its state institutions, military and governance”.

“Israel stands ready to support Lebanon in its efforts to disarm Hezbollah and to work together towards a more secure and stable future for both nations,” including a “phased reduction of IDF presence” at strategic points in Lebanese territory, the Prime Minister’s Office stated.

Netanyahu’s office did not mention Unifil nor its pending mandate expiration.

“Unifil and the United Nations in general are seen, especially by the Lebanese, as an impartial actor that can help ensure sustainability of any agreement,” a senior UN official, who is familiar with Unifil’s operations, told JNS.

Israel has long expressed suspicion of UNIFIL, but there is “a level of trust,” according to the official. “To completely lose it in this very sensitive transition period would be risky and would not really serve anybody’s interest.”

They also cited the “risks” of a hasty Unifil withdrawal due to several unknowns, including the unpredictability of a depleted Hezbollah and Iran, along with instability in Syria, which requires the attention of Lebanese forces.

It was unclear at press time when a vote might take place on whether to renew Unifil's mandate.