UN Secretary-General Proposes Three Options for UN Forces in South Lebanon
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in a letter to the Security Council, has outlined three proposals concerning the presence of UN forces in southern Lebanon following the expiration of the UNIFIL mission’s mandate later this year.
Guterres detailed the first option, which involves the deployment of 350 unarmed military observers supported by four infantry battalions totaling 750 armed personnel. An additional reserve force of 700 troops would also be available for deployment along the Blue Line up to the Litani River.
The second option presented suggests the stationing of 285 unarmed military observers alongside two infantry battalions comprising 750 armed personnel. A reserve force of 450 armed elements would be stationed in the area between the Litani River and the Blue Line, enabling direct observation of segments of the Blue Line.
The third option includes a contingent of 215 unarmed military observers and two infantry battalions with 450 armed personnel, complemented by a rapid reaction force of 350 armed soldiers. These forces would be tasked with monitoring developments along the Blue Line and extending several kilometers north of it.
It is noteworthy that despite the deployment of UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, the Israeli regime has previously targeted these areas, including those in proximity to UN forces.
