UN Extends Peacekeeping Mission in Lebanon Amid Calls for Mandate Review

The United Nations Security Council has extended the U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeeping mission for another year. Despite unanimous approval, the U.S. called for future changes to the mandate. The renewal comes amid heightened tensions between Hezbollah and the Israeli military, with both parties exchanging fire recently.

The United Nations Security Council unanimously voted to extend the peacekeeping mission in Lebanon for another year, with a call from the U.S. for future mandate changes. The U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), established in 1978, will continue to patrol Lebanon's southern border with Israel.

Lebanon's Deputy U.N. Ambassador Hadi Hachem highlighted the international community's interest in Lebanon, calling the vote a gesture of hope for those rejecting war and promoting peace. The decision follows intense exchanges between Hezbollah and the Israeli military, amid fears of a broader regional conflict due to Israel's war in Gaza.

Israeli U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon urged Lebanon to confront Hezbollah to avoid chaos, emphasizing Israel's stance to defend its people. Expanded in 2006 to support the Lebanese army, UNIFIL's mandate faces friction from Hezbollah, which controls southern Lebanon. Deputy U.S. Ambassador Robert Wood stressed the need to address issues preventing the full implementation of resolution 1701 and ensuring the safety of peacekeepers.

(With inputs from agencies.)