Lebanon seeks extension of UN peacekeeping mission's mandate in south

Lebanon is seeking to extend the mandate of the UN peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon beyond 2026, despite strong opposition from Israel.

According to the Financial Times, cited by Report, in a letter sent to the UN Security Council, Beirut said that ending the mandate of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on December 31, 2026, would be "premature" and requested that the current arrangement be extended for a limited period.

France and most other members of the Security Council have supported Lebanon's request. UNIFIL, which was established in 1978, has more than 7,000 personnel.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres previously called on Israeli authorities to halt the military operation in southern Lebanon, pointing to the growing number of civilian casualties caused by the fighting.

Earlier, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israeli forces would not leave Lebanon until the formations of the Hezbollah movement are disarmed.