Lebanon UN force exit needs smooth shift

Major General Diodato Abagnara, head of UN peacekeepers in Lebanon, emphasized the critical need for a smooth transition before the force's scheduled withdrawal. He stated other UN agencies and Lebanese troops must assume the responsibilities currently carried out by UNIFIL, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon.UNIFIL's withdrawal begins end of this year; its mandate concludes December 31, 2026. The UN Security Council ordered the pull-out in August 2025, pressured by Israel and the United States.For nearly five decades, UNIFIL has monitored hostilities and maintained stability along the Blue Line, the demarcation line between Lebanon and Israel. Its departure raises concerns about a security vacuum in the volatile region. Diplomats worry ending its presence removes the UN's "eyes and ears" from southern Lebanon, a region with ongoing tensions.The withdrawal decision follows new conflict between Israel and an Iran-backed Lebanese armed group in March, intensifying UNIFIL's operational demands. Since then, UNIFIL has also provided security escorts for humanitarian aid convoys to southern Lebanese towns affected by the conflict.A key transition challenge involves the physical handover of UNIFIL's positions. Major General Abagnara acknowledged over half of UNIFIL's posts are in Israeli-controlled areas, complicating transfer to Lebanese forces. Lebanon lobbies for a limited mandate extension, arguing a premature and destabilizing withdrawal. The mission has historically served as a vital communication channel between Israel and Lebanon, nations lacking diplomatic relations. The international community grapples with replacing UNIFIL's critical functions.