New York: UN Secretary-General António Guterres has presented the UN Security Council with a set of proposals to maintain a United Nations presence in southern Lebanon after the current peacekeeping mission concludes at the end of 2026. The move comes amid continuing concerns about security and stability along the border between Lebanon and Israel.
In a report submitted to the Security Council, Guterres outlined three possible models for a future UN mission that could replace the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, commonly known as UNIFIL. The proposals are designed to ensure that the goals of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 continue to be supported even after the withdrawal of the long standing peacekeeping force.
UNIFIL has been operating in southern Lebanon since 1978 and has played a key role in monitoring ceasefires, supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces, and helping to prevent conflicts along the border with Israel. The mission currently has around 7,500 personnel and remains one of the most visible international peacekeeping operations in the region.
Last year, the Security Council decided that UNIFIL's mandate would end on December 31, 2026, following a gradual reduction of its activities. At the same time, the council asked the Secretary General to prepare recommendations for maintaining international engagement in southern Lebanon after the mission's departure.
According to the report, the first option would create a relatively small observer mission focused mainly on monitoring developments and reporting security concerns. The second proposal calls for a medium sized mission with broader monitoring responsibilities and stronger coordination with Lebanese authorities. The third and most comprehensive option would establish a larger force with enhanced monitoring and conflict prevention capabilities aimed at reducing tensions and supporting stability in the border region.
The proposed missions would range from approximately 1,980 personnel to more than 5,500 personnel, depending on the option selected by the Security Council.
Guterres stressed that a continued UN presence would remain important because the situation in southern Lebanon is still fragile. Although diplomatic efforts have helped prevent a wider regional conflict in recent months, tensions between Israel and Hezbollah remain high. Occasional military exchanges and security incidents continue to raise concerns about the possibility of renewed violence.
The Secretary General noted that any future mission should continue supporting the implementation of Resolution 1701, which brought an end to the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah. The resolution calls for respect for the ceasefire, the deployment of Lebanese state authority throughout southern Lebanon, and efforts to prevent armed groups from operating outside government control.
Lebanese officials have repeatedly emphasized the importance of continued international support for maintaining stability in the south. Many diplomats also believe that a UN presence can help reduce misunderstandings and provide a channel for communication during periods of heightened tension.
However, discussions about the future mission are expected to be complex. Some countries and security experts have questioned whether a successor force would be more effective than UNIFIL in addressing long standing security challenges. Others argue that maintaining an international presence remains essential to avoid a security vacuum after the peacekeepers leave.
The Security Council is expected to review the proposals in the coming months and begin discussions on the structure and mandate of any future mission. The final decision will have significant implications for Lebanon, Israel, and the broader Middle East, where efforts continue to prevent further instability and preserve regional peace.
As the countdown to the end of UNIFIL's mandate continues, the debate over the future role of the United Nations in southern Lebanon is likely to remain a major focus of international diplomacy throughout the year.