The United Nations Security Council is set to vote Thursday on a resolution to terminate the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) by December 31, 2026, ending over four decades of peacekeeping in southern Lebanon. The French-drafted resolution, which gained U.S. approval after negotiations, outlines a 16-month timeline to wind down UNIFIL’s operations, with the withdrawal of its 10,800 military and civilian personnel beginning immediately in coordination with the Lebanese government.

UNIFIL was established in 1978 to oversee Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon following its invasion and saw its mandate expand after the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war. The resolution aims to transition security responsibilities to the Lebanese armed forces, making them the sole provider of security north of the UN-designated Blue Line border with Israel. It also calls for Israel to withdraw its forces from areas north of this line, reinforcing Lebanon’s sovereignty over its territory.

The decision follows intense U.S. pressure to end UNIFIL, with Trump administration officials viewing the mission as costly and ineffective in curbing Hezbollah’s influence. Critics, including U.S. lawmakers aligned with President Donald Trump, argue that UNIFIL delays the Lebanese army’s ability to assume full control, prompting significant cuts in U.S. funding. However, European nations like France and Italy advocated for a gradual phase-out, warning that a sudden exit could create a security vacuum exploitable by Hezbollah, especially given the Lebanese army’s current limitations.

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The resolution authorizes UNIFIL, during its year-long withdrawal, to ensure security for UN personnel, maintain situational awareness near its locations, and support civilian protection and humanitarian aid delivery within its capacity. It also urges global support for the Lebanese armed forces through equipment, funding, and materials to strengthen their border security capabilities.

The vote reflects a delicate balance between international stakeholders, with the U.S. initially pushing for a faster termination within a year. The compromise on a 16-month timeline indicates a consensus to prioritize stability while addressing long-standing criticisms of UNIFIL’s role in the volatile region.

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