The spokesperson for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Andrea Tenenti, said on Monday that the peacekeeping mission’s presence in southern Lebanon remains critical to preventing conflict and supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces amid rising tensions along the southern border with Israel.

In an interview with Sky News Arabia, Tenenti said UNIFIL continues to back the Lebanese Army’s deployment in the region, describing this support as the “cornerstone” of efforts to stabilize the area.

“Our presence helps resolve any potential conflict between Lebanon and Israel,” Tenenti said. “We support the Lebanese Army in its deployment in southern Lebanon, and our support is a cornerstone of this operation.”

“We are committed to ensuring security and stability in southern Lebanon, and we aim to gradually hand over allfield responsibilities to the Lebanese Army on the ground,” he said.

He warned that the ongoing presence of Israeli forces south of the Blue Line is obstructing the Lebanese Army’s ability to expand its presence and is hindering the international community’s efforts to fulfill its obligations under UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

“We are committed to maintaining security and stability in southern Lebanon, and we aim to gradually transfer all responsibilities to the Lebanese Army on the ground,” Tenenti added.

Amid recent speculation about the future of UNIFIL’s funding, Tenenti stressed that there have been no discussions on reducing the mission’s budget.

“Funding is a matter for the United Nations Security Council to decide on,” he said, noting that the number of peacekeepers deployed in southern Lebanon “has not changed so far.”

He also highlighted the broad international support for the mission.

“Since 2006, 48 countries have supported our mandate in Lebanon. Our presence offers a sense of hope in southern Lebanon,” he said.