UN Chief Urges Continued Peacekeeping Presence In Lebanon After UNIFIL Mandate Ends

According to a letter sent to the council's 15 members and seen by Reuters, Guterres outlined three options for a future UN mission, with troop levels ranging from about 2,000 to 5,500 personnel.

He said the security situation in Lebanon has deteriorated significantly since March and stressed that a continued UN presence would be necessary to support political efforts aimed at achieving a lasting solution.

The proposals include missions with varying sizes and responsibilities, ranging from a limited monitoring force to a larger deployment focused on overseeing security conditions between the Blue Line and the Litani River. Guterres said any future mission would require air assets, surveillance technology, engineering support and mine-clearance capabilities.

The future of UN peacekeeping in Lebanon comes as tensions remain high between Israel and Hezbollah despite ceasefire efforts. Recent Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon and near Beirut have raised concerns about a broader escalation in the region.

UNIFIL was established in 1978 and its mandate was expanded after the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah. The mission has since played a central role in monitoring the ceasefire and supporting stability along Lebanon's southern border.

The discussion also coincides with wider diplomatic efforts involving the United States and Iran to reduce regional tensions. International mediators have warned that continued instability in Lebanon could complicate negotiations aimed at preventing a wider Middle East conflict.

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