US-Europe Split Over Future of UN Peacekeepers in Lebanon
WASHINGTON: The future of the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has become a point of contention between the United States and its European allies, deepening transatlantic strains and raising security concerns in the Middle East.
UNIFIL, created in 1978 after Israel’s invasion of southern Lebanon and expanded after the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war, has long monitored security along the border. Its mandate expires at the end of August and requires UN Security Council renewal.
The Trump administration has pushed to shut down the mission, arguing it is ineffective, costly, and delays efforts to weaken Hezbollah by shifting security responsibility to Lebanon’s under-resourced army. Earlier this year, Washington cut funding and Secretary of State Marco Rubio backed a plan to phase out the force within six months.
But European nations, especially France and Italy, strongly oppose an abrupt withdrawal. They argue that pulling out before the Lebanese army is ready would leave a dangerous vacuum that Hezbollah could exploit. Citing past experience in Mali, where extremists surged after UN forces departed, they lobbied for a one-year extension, followed by a gradual drawdown. Israel reluctantly agreed to this compromise.
A draft French resolution, seen by the Associated Press, extends UNIFIL’s mandate for a year without setting a firm withdrawal deadline—something US officials insist is necessary for their support. Even if extended, UNIFIL may face cutbacks due to UN budget pressures, with discussions ongoing about reducing troop numbers while expanding surveillance technology.
Currently, UNIFIL has about 10,000 troops, alongside 6,000 Lebanese soldiers in the south. The mission has faced criticism from all sides: Hezbollah supporters accuse it of siding with Israel, while Israel claims it ignores Hezbollah’s military buildup. UN officials, however, report continuing seizures of unauthorized weapons, including rocket launchers and mortars.
Lebanon has urged that the peacekeepers remain, warning that without UNIFIL, the army would be forced to redeploy troops from other sensitive areas, jeopardizing national stability. “UNIFIL may not meet all expectations, but its presence is vital for Lebanon,” said retired Lebanese General Khalil Helou.
UN officials echo that stance, calling UNIFIL critical for regional security. “We are here to assist the parties in fulfilling the mission’s mandate and await the Security Council’s decision,” said UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti.
