The United States has formally announced its support for extending the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) for an additional year, reaffirming its commitment to regional stability and international peacekeeping efforts.
Speaking from the Presidential Palace in Baabda, U.S. envoy Tom Barrack stated, “The United States’ position is we will extend for one year,” as the UN Security Council deliberates the future of UNIFIL, whose current mandate is set to expire this Sunday.
UNIFIL, first deployed in 1978 to monitor the cessation of hostilities between Israel and Lebanon, currently comprises over 10,000 troops from approximately 50 countries. The force has played a pivotal role in maintaining calm along the southern border, particularly following the 2006 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
The extension proposal, drafted by France, aims to maintain UNIFIL’s presence while signaling a gradual transition toward empowering the Lebanese government as the sole provider of security in the region. While the U.S. has expressed concerns over the mission’s $1 billion annual cost, it remains committed to supporting Lebanon’s sovereignty and the broader goals of peace and security.
The vote on the mandate renewal, initially scheduled for Monday, was postponed amid ongoing negotiations and opposition from both the U.S. and Israel regarding the scope and duration of the extension.