The U.N. Security Council will determine the future of the U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) after the peacekeeping mission’s mandate expires at the end of 2026, its spokesperson said, as Beirut presses for the international force to remain in the country.

In an interview with Anadolu, UNIFIL spokesperson Dany Ghafri said the council had several options for continuing to implement Resolution 1701, including monitoring, observation and assistance to the Lebanese army.

UNIFIL’s mandate is due to expire on December 31, 2026, amid international discussions over what should follow, while Lebanon has insisted that the mission’s continued presence is essential to stability in the south.

“By the end of Dec. 31, 2026, the mission’s operations will stop, and UNIFIL will begin a gradual and safe withdrawal during 2027,” Ghafri said. “UNIFIL is preparing plans for the withdrawal in coordination with troop-contributing countries and with the Lebanese government and army."

The mission is expected to hand over its responsibilities to Lebanese authorities, he said.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun reiterated Lebanon’s commitment to UNIFIL’s continued presence, citing the “important role” it plays in the country.

If extending the mission’s mandate proves impossible, Lebanon would welcome any “brotherly or friendly” country prepared to continue some aspects of its work, Aoun said.

He added that contacts were underway “to find the legal formula for such an international presence” to support the Lebanese army and residents of the south in humanitarian, social, health and educational fields.

Major challenges

Ghafri said UNIFIL currently has about 7,500 peacekeepers from nearly 50 countries.

Asked whether the Lebanese army was capable of taking over the security responsibilities currently carried out by UNIFIL, he said conditions in the mission’s area of operations had “changed radically” since Resolution 2790 was adopted.

“The Israeli army is present in a large part of UNIFIL’s area of operations,” he said.

Ghafri said Israeli airstrikes and shelling were continuing, although at a lower intensity than the levels seen in southern Lebanon during March and April.

“We are still living in an area facing major security challenges,” he said.

Since the November 2024 cessation-of-hostilities understanding, the Lebanese army has carried out a major redeployment throughout UNIFIL’s area of operations, Ghafri said, adding that the U.N. mission had helped facilitate the deployment.

Resolution 1701

On how Resolution 1701 could be implemented after UNIFIL’s mandate expires, Ghafri stressed that the resolution remained in force.

“Resolution 1701 remains valid, and its principles remain in place,” he said.

The resolution addresses the extension of state authority, strengthening the capabilities of the Lebanese army, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, the return of residents to their areas and the exclusivity of arms, including the disarmament of armed groups, he said.

The Lebanese government is implementing a plan to bring all weapons, including those held by Hezbollah, under state authority. Hezbollah, however, has insisted on retaining its weapons and says it is a resistance movement against Israeli occupation.

“Any sustainable agreements or solutions reached in the area would be based on the principles of Resolution 1701,” Ghafri said.

He urged all parties to commit to implementing the resolution and to halt violence and hostilities in southern Lebanon in order to ensure a safe life for residents on both sides of the Blue Line.

Asked about UNIFIL’s role in implementing a U.S.-mediated framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel, Ghafri said the agreement “does not include a role for UNIFIL and does not mention Resolution 1701.”

“But the principles of Resolution 1701 remain in place, and the framework agreement and the cessation of hostilities understanding can be included within those principles,” he said.

UNIFIL is “ready to assist if asked to do so,” Ghafri added.

Under U.S. sponsorship, Beirut and Tel Aviv signed the framework agreement on June 26. It calls for a gradual Israeli withdrawal from all occupied Lebanese territory in return for the deployment of the Lebanese army there and the disarmament of armed groups.

U.N. options

Ghafri said the Security Council had asked U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to present options by June on how the United Nations could continue implementing Resolution 1701 after UNIFIL’s withdrawal.

“Guterres sent a letter to the council on June 1 outlining options for how the U.N. presence in southern Lebanon could continue for the purpose of monitoring, observation and assisting the Lebanese army,” he said.

The letter is now before the Security Council, which can meet to discuss the proposals, adopt one of them, amend them or take no action, Ghafri said.

“If the council does not take any decision by the end of 2026, UNIFIL will continue implementing Resolution 2790,” he said, referring to the resolution that provides for the mission to end its operations at the close of this year and begin withdrawing in 2027.