US Opposes UNIFIL Mission Extension in South Lebanon, Security Council Divided

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, sources speaking to Al Jazeera confirmed that members of the Security Council, with the exception of the United States, have agreed to Lebanon’s request to extend the mission of the United Nations peacekeeping forces in the south of the country, known as UNIFIL.

The sources indicated that the Lebanese request was reviewed during a Security Council session held on Friday. Previously, it was reported that the UN Security Council convened a closed-door meeting to discuss the status of peacekeeping forces in southern Lebanon.

With the current mission’s term nearing its end at the close of 2026 and plans for a gradual withdrawal by 2027, the Lebanese government has expressed its desire for an extension of the mandate to maintain stability and cooperate with the army.

Conversely, the Israeli regime, with the backing of the United States, has explicitly voiced its opposition to extending the UNIFIL mission. Israel seeks to impose new conditions and establish a direct communication mechanism between the Lebanese and Israeli armies.

Despite the inclination of some European countries, such as France and Italy, to continue the presence or offer alternative proposals, ongoing Israeli attacks and the lack of security guarantees have created significant challenges for the future security of southern Lebanon.