Lebanon UNIFIL Withdrawal: PM Calls for International Force
Lebanon will require an international presence after the planned withdrawal of the UN peacekeeping mission UNIFIL in 2027, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said during a visit to Paris on Saturday. The announcement comes amid ongoing tensions in southern Lebanon.
“We will always need an international presence in the south, and preferably a UN presence, given the impartiality and neutrality that only the UN can provide,” Salam told reporters following a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron.
UNIFIL, which has deployed about 10,800 peacekeepers since 1978, is scheduled to begin its withdrawal on 31 December 2026, under a UN resolution passed last August with backing from the United States and Israel. The Lebanese government is already preparing to ensure a smooth transition to a new international security presence.
International Force Needed in Southern Lebanon
Salam emphasized that the new force would need both observers and peacekeepers due to “a history of hostility” with Israel. UN peacekeepers currently operate in southern Lebanon alongside the Lebanese army, maintaining a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, the pro-Iranian Shiite movement, which has controlled parts of southern Lebanon for decades.
Israel, despite agreements, continues to hold positions in five strategic areas of southern Lebanon and regularly conducts airstrikes targeting Hezbollah sites and operatives accused of rearming.
Hezbollah Disarmament Phase 2
When asked about Hezbollah’s disarmament, PM Salam said that Phase 2 of the process began “two weeks ago.” The Lebanese army has completed Phase 1, which focused on disarming Hezbollah south of the Litani River.
Phase 2 will cover areas between the Litani and Awali rivers, further north, where Hezbollah maintains significant influence.
“Phase 2 has different requirements than Phase 1,” Salam said. “Hezbollah’s rhetoric has been rather harsh, but we will not back down.”
The Lebanese government continues to coordinate with UN officials and international partners to ensure both security and compliance with the disarmament plan.
Outlook for Lebanon After UNIFIL
The withdrawal of UNIFIL raises questions about the security of southern Lebanon, where tensions with Israel remain high. An international force, ideally under UN oversight, is seen as crucial to maintaining peace and stability in the border region.
Salam’s statements underscore Lebanon’s commitment to neutrality, international cooperation, and the phased disarmament of Hezbollah, all key elements for long-term stability in the region.
