(MENAFN) The United Nations Security Council on Thursday unanimously approved Resolution 2790, extending the mandate of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) until December 31, 2026, marking its last extension before a planned full withdrawal.

The resolution sets a clear timeline for UNIFIL to cease operations by the end of 2026 and commence a structured, secure drawdown and withdrawal of its personnel over the following year.

It further specifies that the liquidation of UNIFIL will begin after the completion of the withdrawal phase. During this liquidation period, the resolution permits a limited guard force to remain to safeguard UNIFIL personnel, facilities, and assets, in close coordination with Lebanese armed and security forces.

The Security Council emphasizes the Lebanese government’s obligation to uphold the 1995 Status of Forces Agreement, particularly regarding UNIFIL's freedom of movement across Lebanon and the protection of its privileges and immunities. It calls on Lebanon to ensure the safety and security of UNIFIL personnel, equipment, and premises.

UNIFIL was initially deployed in 1978 to verify Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon. Its mandate expanded significantly following the 2006 conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, under Resolution 1701, to oversee the cessation of hostilities and accompany Lebanese armed forces’ deployment in southern Lebanon as Israeli troops pulled back.

Resolution 2790 reaffirms the full implementation of Resolution 1701 and stresses the importance of respecting the cessation of hostilities and the Blue Line—the UN-established border demarcation between Lebanon and Israel since 2000.

The Security Council urges Israel to withdraw forces north of the Blue Line and remove buffer zones in that area. It also calls on Lebanese authorities to deploy in these positions with UNIFIL’s timely support and to extend Lebanese government control across all national territory to assert full sovereignty.

Lastly, Resolution 2790 directs the UN secretary-general to present options for continuing Resolution 1701’s objectives after UNIFIL’s withdrawal, with a report due by June 1, 2026.

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