Future of southern Lebanon peacekeeping uncertain ahead of UNIFIL phase-out

Beirut, Lebanon – As time runs out on the mandate for UNIFIL, the United Nations peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon, there is still strong international and domestic support for peacekeepers in the region, devastated by an Israeli war since 2023, in which thousands have been killed.

Even if another peacekeeping force is created once the UNIFIL mandate expires at the end of the year , it will likely have fewer troops and be part of a regional agreement.

“This requires Lebanese state authority and monopoly over arms, Israeli withdrawal and respect for Lebanese sovereignty, and Iranian compliance with noninterference in Lebanese affairs,” Lebanese political scientist Imad Salamey told Al Jazeera.

“International forces can monitor and support peace, but they cannot substitute for domestic and regional agreement to uphold it.”

UNIFIL’s mandate began in 1978, during the Lebanese civil war. It has often been accused by all sides of not successfully implementing UN Resolution 1701, adopted 20 years ago. The resolution calls for the withdrawal of Israeli troops behind the Blue Line – the de facto border between Israel, Lebanon, and the occupied Golan Heights – the deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces to southern Lebanon, and the disarmament of Hezbollah south of the Litani River.

But implementing 1701 – currently the topic of US-brokered direct talks between Lebanon and Israel – was never part of UNIFIL’s original mission.

“UNIFIL was never established … with powers to forcibly impose Resolution 1701 on either side of the border. Its mandate has essentially depended on monitoring, reporting, coordination, and assisting the Lebanese Armed Forces,” Salamey said. “Expecting UNIFIL to forcibly disarm Hezbollah or compel Israel to withdraw or cease violations goes beyond the enforcement authority it was actually given.”

Analysts point out that the decision to refuse to extend UNIFIL’s mandate came after the US adopted the Israeli position to oppose the mission so the Israeli military could operate in Lebanon without a monitoring body present.