• UN Security Council unanimously votes to extend UNIFIL until the end of 2026.
• The mission will undergo an orderly and safe withdrawal thereafter.
• This decision responds to pressures from the U.S. and Israel amidst ongoing regional instability.
• Lebanon's Prime Minister emphasizes the importance of UNIFIL for national security and stability.
• UNIFIL's withdrawal aims to transfer security responsibilities to the Lebanese government.

The United Nations Security Council has unanimously voted to extend the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) "for a final time" until December 31, 2026. This decision follows a compromise influenced by the United States, which supported the extension after advocating for the mission's termination. The resolution specifies that after this date, UNIFIL will begin a structured withdrawal of its remaining personnel, in coordination with the Lebanese government, with an aim for Lebanon to assume full responsibility for its security in the southern region, north of the U.N.-designated Blue Line with Israel, according to Reuters and Al Jazeera.

The UNIFIL mission, created in 1978 following Israel's invasion of Lebanon, has been expanded multiple times, particularly after the 2006 conflict with Hezbollah. Its mandate includes monitoring the area and supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces in ensuring the region remains demilitarized. However, the operation has faced criticism from both Lebanese and Israeli officials, with the latter accusing UNIFIL of ineffective oversight, especially regarding Hezbollah's military activities, as reported by South China Morning Post and Los Angeles Times.

During the vote, U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Dorothy Shea, emphasized that "the security environment in Lebanon is radically different than just one year ago," highlighting the need for Lebanese forces to take on greater responsibility in maintaining peace. The resolution was crafted amid pressure from the U.S. and Israel, who are pushing for the disarmament of Hezbollah and a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory, according to TRT Global and Anadolu Agency.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam welcomed the extension, asserting that it supports Lebanon's sovereignty and security needs. He urged stakeholders to recognize the country’s challenges, particularly in light of the ongoing tensions and military presence in the region. As the mission transitions to withdrawal, the resolution underlines the importance of bolstering the Lebanese Armed Forces, advocating for international support to ensure stability before the final exit of UNIFIL, as reported by Los Angeles Times and South China Morning Post.