The draft resolution includes the option of a “gradual withdrawal” of international forces until the Lebanese government becomes the sole guarantor of security after the designated period ends late next year, as reported by the National News Agency on Tuesday. The agency noted that the vote on the draft is scheduled for August 25, before the current mandate of the international force expires.
Washington, which holds the veto power, has not commented on the draft resolution, which must be voted on before the current mandate of the international force ends at the end of this month. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is one of the oldest UN peacekeeping missions in the world, established in March 1978 under Security Council Resolutions 425 and 426, following the Israeli invasion of southern Lebanon.
The founding resolution tasked the force with confirming the Israeli withdrawal and restoring international peace and security, as well as assisting the Lebanese government in extending its authority over the south. In the aftermath of the July 2006 war, its mission expanded under Resolution 1701 to include monitoring the cessation of hostilities, observing the “Blue Line” demarcation, and supporting the Lebanese army in southern Litani.
The force comprises about ten thousand soldiers from more than 40 countries, along with hundreds of civilians, and is headquartered in Naqoura. It operates in coordination with the Lebanese army under a clear mandate defined by the Security Council.
