U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 will remain in force after the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) ends its mission, and responsibility for implementing it will continue to rest with Lebanon and Israel, the peacekeeping force’s spokesperson said.

In an interview with Erem News, UNIFIL spokesperson Kandice Ardiel said the force had played an important role in impartially monitoring and reporting on developments in southern Lebanon and along the Blue Line, helping support implementation of the resolution.

The U.N. Security Council is currently reviewing options submitted by the secretary-general for a possible international monitoring presence after UNIFIL’s departure, Ardiel said.

She stressed that the responsibility for implementing Resolution 1701 had belonged to Lebanon and Israel from the outset, while UNIFIL’s mandate was to support that process through monitoring, reporting, coordination and efforts to reduce tensions.

The main obstacle to full implementation, she said, was the lack of willingness on both sides to meet their obligations in full. She underscored the need to respect Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Ardiel said the Lebanese army had demonstrated commitment and competence but faced significant challenges, particularly shortages of equipment and funding. She called on international partners to provide the support needed to strengthen its capabilities.

All parties must refrain from actions that violate Resolution 1701 or undermine stability along the Blue Line, she said, warning that continued violence would not produce a lasting solution.

Asked about the future of border towns including Rmeish, Dibil and Ain Ibl after the international force leaves, Ardiel said lasting security and stability would depend on all parties honoring their commitments under Resolution 1701, which requires respect for Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

She also rejected the suggestion that UNIFIL’s departure would bring an end to the resolution or undermine the responsibility to implement it. That responsibility, she said, has always rested with Lebanon and Israel, while the force has served in a supporting role by monitoring developments, reporting violations, coordinating between the parties and helping prevent escalation.