UN Security Council Votes to Withdraw Peacekeeping Force from Southern Lebanon in 16 Months, Sparking Concerns Over Vacuum Left by Hezbollah

The United Nations Security Council voted unanimously on Thursday to conclude the UN peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon by the end of 2027, marking nearly five decades since its establishment. This decision comes in response to requests from the United States and Israel, close allies.

Initially advocating for a six-month termination timeline, the US later sought a one-year extension before agreeing to a final 16-month mandate. The multinational peacekeeping force, known as UNIFIL, has been instrumental in monitoring security conditions in southern Lebanon for decades, including during the Israel-Hezbollah conflict last year.

However, the mission has faced criticism from both sides and US lawmakers, some now occupying key roles within President Donald Trump’s administration or exerting significant influence on the Republican White House.

Established in 1978 following Israel’s invasion of Lebanon, UNIFIL was created to supervise the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon. Its mandate expanded after the month-long conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in 2006.

The new resolution provides a one-year extension starting December 31, 2026, for UNIFIL to withdraw its 10,800 military and civilian personnel and all associated equipment. During this period, UNIFIL is authorized to perform certain limited tasks.

The aim is to empower the Lebanese government to assume full security responsibility in southern Lebanon north of the UN-drawn border with Israel, known as the Blue Line. The resolution also calls for Israeli forces to withdraw from territories north of the Blue Line.

Trump administration appointees have long sought to disband UNIFIL as quickly as possible and have successfully secured significant funding cuts for the force. They view the operation as an unnecessary expenditure that merely prolongs the goal of diminishing Hezbollah’s influence and enabling the Lebanese armed forces to regain full control over the region.

However, European nations such as France and Italy argue against hastily winding down UNIFIL, asserting that ending the peacekeeping mission before the Lebanese army is capable of securing the border area could create a vacuum exploitable by Hezbollah.

During the one-year withdrawal phase, UNIFIL is authorized to ensure security and support for UN personnel, maintain situational awareness around its locations, and contribute to the protection of civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid, within its capacity limits.

The resolution calls upon the international community to increase their support, including resources such as equipment, materials, and financing, to the Lebanese armed forces.