Lebanon's Prime Minister, Nawaf Salam, has called for the formation of an international force to replace UNIFIL following the conclusion of its mission in December. In a statement released on Tuesday, he referred to Lebanon's priorities in negotiations with Western and Arab leaders.
Negotiations on the Sidelines of the UN General Assembly
Nawaf Salam and Foreign Minister, Youssef Raji, held a series of meetings with various leaders on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. The Prime Minister of Lebanon emphasized in these meetings that Lebanon needs Israel to completely withdraw from Lebanese territory and to cease its aggressive actions. He also stressed the necessity of strengthening Lebanon's military capabilities and maintaining an international presence in southern Lebanon, especially after UNIFIL's mission ends.
Read more: The United States has asked member countries of the International Criminal Court to resign
Meeting with International Officials
Salam, in a meeting with António Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, emphasized the importance of maintaining an international presence under UN supervision in southern Lebanon. He considered this action vital for preserving stability and supporting the Lebanese government's efforts to extend sovereignty over all of its territory. In this meeting, Salam also spoke with leaders such as King Abdullah II of Jordan, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Turkey, and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman of Qatar.
Lebanese officials are seeking to maintain an international security presence in southern Lebanon or are trying to extend UNIFIL's mission. They are concerned about creating a security vacuum that may arise after the gradual withdrawal of UN peacekeepers begins.
Challenges Facing UNIFIL
Since its establishment in 1978, UNIFIL's mission in Lebanon has faced many challenges. Israel has accused the force of failing to prevent the construction of Hezbollah's military infrastructure in southern Lebanon. The United States has also objected to the extension of this mission, stating that UNIFIL has not achieved its primary goal of maintaining security in the border area.
Background and Current Situation
The UN peacekeeping force has been stationed at the Israel-Lebanon border since its establishment in 1978, attempting to prevent war. In August 2025, the UN Security Council extended the mission of this force until the end of December 2026, after which a gradual reduction and withdrawal is anticipated.
France has supported Lebanon's request to extend UNIFIL's mission during a meeting between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and its officials in Paris. Additionally, France and Italy are working to form an alternative force for UNIFIL in case its mission is not extended.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces in southern Lebanon carried out explosions in the town of Al-Khiam in the Nabatieh province last night, damaging power lines in the area. Reports indicate that these explosions were felt in other areas and caused damage to nearby schools and homes.
Read more: Ahmed Al-Sha'ra: The Golan Heights have always belonged to Syria · Russia: The UN Security Council needs new permanent members
