UNIFIL in South Lebanon: France and US Float Different Proposals Ahead of Mandate End

⏱️ Timeline

1. 12 Nov 2026, 13:39 France expressed concern over ending the mission of the UN peacekeeping force UNIFIL in southern Lebanon and described it as a major mistake, saying Paris is pressing regionally, internationally and at the UN to spare the south a dangerous security vacuum. It cited complications from major powers, especially the United States, that prevent UNIFIL from continuing its mission or shaping an alternative framework, and affirmed its position calling for an urgent Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory.
2. 12 Nov 2026, 15:53 As UNIFIL's mandate nears its end on Dec. 31, France and the United States put forward different proposals on post-withdrawal arrangements and preventing a security vacuum in southern Lebanon. UN Security Council Resolution 2790 stipulates ending the mandate at the end of 2026 and a full withdrawal by the end of 2027, amid US and Israeli opposition to extending the mandate.
3. 13 Nov 2026, 06:29 International talks continued on forming an alternative security force to UNIFIL, whose mission ends at the end of the current year, to support the Lebanese army in implementing Resolution 1701 and the framework agreement in southern Lebanon. Ambiguity remains over the nature, composition, tasks and working mechanism of this force, while attention is on US envoy to the United Nations Michael Waltz's visit to Beirut on Monday to meet President Joseph Aoun.

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