Lebanon: UNIFIL Mandate Renewed Until December 2026

The UN Security Council has unanimously renewed the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) until December 31, 2026. The decision includes the commencement of a regular and safe phased withdrawal from December 31, 2026, and full withdrawal within one year.

Greece, in its explanation of vote, stated that it voted in favor of renewing UNIFIL's mandate, emphasizing that the mission is a reliable partner of the Lebanese government and a pillar of stability for Lebanon and the wider region.

The Permanent Representative of Greece to the UN, Ms. Aglaΐa Balta, underscored the importance of strengthening cooperation between UNIFIL and the Lebanese Armed Forces in the coming months, as well as ensuring a safe and orderly transition, in close coordination with Lebanon.

Negotiations on the final text of the resolution were difficult, with the main point of contention being the timeline for terminating UNIFIL's operations and commencing the withdrawal. UNIFIL was established in 1978, and its mandate was renewed by Resolution 2749 (August 28, 2024) until August 31, 2025.

The final draft Resolution contains a clear timeline: it extends the mandate for a 'final time' until December 31, 2026, at which point the cessation of UNIFIL operations and the commencement, from that date and within one year, of a regular and safe withdrawal are requested.