A proposal to extend the mandate of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon for six months after its scheduled end is facing opposition from the United States and Israel, according to sources cited by Nidaa Al Watan, as uncertainty grows over the security arrangements that will follow the mission’s departure.

Contacts with Washington have failed to produce a breakthrough or persuade the United States to back the extension, the newspaper reported, citing informed sources.

The proposal comes as Lebanon seeks to determine what will replace the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) after its mandate ends, with Beirut pushing for the Lebanese army to assume greater responsibility in the south.

But US military sources told Nidaa Al Watan that the Lebanese army does not currently have sufficient capacity to assume full responsibility on its own. Washington instead favors an orderly transition through what Lebanese officials and diplomatic sources refer to as the “framework formula,” according to the report.

The formula combines negotiations, support for the Lebanese army, strengthening state authority and preparations for the period after UNIFIL.

European sources told the newspaper that the formula's absence from international discussions, including speeches at the United Nations General Assembly, could turn it into a missed opportunity as the end of the peacekeeping mission approaches.

US Sees Hezbollah as Part of Iran's Network

US sources cited by Nidaa Al Watan said the broader message of President Donald Trump’s address to the UN General Assembly was focused on Iran and its network of allies.

According to the sources, Washington does not view Hezbollah as an isolated Lebanese issue but as part of Iran’s wider network of influence.

The challenge for the United States, they said, is whether the Lebanese state can enforce its decisions and prevent any armed group from dRajjing the country into war outside the authority of legitimate state institutions.

The US and Israeli opposition to extending UNIFIL is also linked to Israeli accusations that the peacekeeping force has failed to carry out its duties and has allowed Hezbollah to establish military facilities, according to the report.

As a result, the proposed six-month extension could effectively be “dead on arrival,” the newspaper reported.

Lebanon Still Awaits New Talks With Israel

The uncertainty over the post-UNIFIL period comes as Lebanon has yet to receive a new date for negotiations with Israel.

According to Nidaa Al Watan, Baabda has not been informed of a new meeting, leaving the negotiations stalled alongside the suspension of discussions over model areas and verification committees.

President Joseph Aoun has warned that allowing UNIFIL’s mandate to expire without an alternative international force would create a vacuum that could undermine security and stability, particularly while Israel continues to occupy a number of villages and towns in southern Lebanon.

During a meeting with British Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for the Middle East, Admiral Edward Algren, Aoun said Lebanon would welcome any alternative force if an extension of UNIFIL proved impossible.

Such a force could continue implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and support the Lebanese army in extending state authority to the internationally recognized border, he said.

Aoun also accused Israel of failing to comply with the “framework agreement,” particularly its provisions concerning the ceasefire, the destruction and bulldozing of homes, disputed points along the Blue Line and the return of Lebanese detainees.

He said those practices were keeping tensions high in the south.

Lebanon Steps Up Diplomatic Efforts

Against this backdrop, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has intensified diplomatic efforts in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, seeking international support for Lebanon and trying to consolidate its position in discussions over southern Lebanon and the post-UNIFIL phase.

Salam met with Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah to discuss bilateral relations and regional developments. The two stressed the importance of de-escalation and preserving regional security and stability.

The Kuwaiti crown prince reaffirmed his country’s support for Lebanon and expressed a desire to expand Kuwaiti investments.

Salam thanked Kuwait for its support, particularly in the energy sector and for its expected contribution to securing fuel for Electricité du Liban. He also presented investment opportunities in infrastructure, transportation, energy and regional connectivity.

The two sides agreed to expand trade and investment ties and to hold a Lebanese-Kuwaiti economic forum as soon as possible.

Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji has also held a series of meetings focused on the post-UNIFIL period.

He discussed the issue with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos, stressing the need for a continued international presence in southern Lebanon and support for the army as it works to extend state authority.

Rajji also discussed an electricity interconnection project with Cyprus.