Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri confirmed on Monday that a government committee has been formed to formally request the renewal of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) without changes to its current mandate.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Berri said the committee will be tasked with drafting the renewal request, which is to be submitted to the UN Security Council. He underscored that Lebanon remains committed to UNIFIL’s continued presence and operational framework as defined in UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

According to ministerial sources, the renewal issue was a key topic in recent talks between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Speaker Berri. Berri said Aoun had confirmed that Lebanon is not aware of any proposed amendments to UNIFIL’s mandate nor of any intentions to downsize its troop levels.

Washington has also reportedly been pushing for changes to UNIFIL’s role, and may even be considering Israel’s demand to fully withdraw the force from southern Lebanon—a position Lebanon firmly rejects.

Berri noted that France has already voiced its support for renewing UNIFIL’s mandate, while the U.S. has yet to make its stance official.

Lebanon has fulfilled all its obligations under the U.S.-brokered ceasefire with Israel, Berri emphasized. He further stated that Hezbollah, a political ally, remains committed to the truce and is cooperating with the Lebanese army and UNIFIL in their deployment south of the Litani River.

“Hezbollah has respected the ceasefire. It has not fired a single shot since the truce came into effect last November, despite repeated Israeli violations,” Berri said, adding that Israel continues to breach the agreement.