UN votes to end peacekeeping force in Lebanon after nearly 5 decades

The UN Security Council voted unanimously on Thursday to terminate the UN peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon at the end of next year after nearly five decades, bowing to demands from the United States and its close ally Israel.

The United States, which initially demanded the force be ended in six months and later sought a one-year final extension, voted in favour of a final 16-month mandate to continue its activities near Lebanon’s UN-drawn border with Israel until December 31, 2026.

The multinational peacekeeping force has played a significant role in monitoring the security situation in southern Lebanon for decades, including during the Israel-Hezbollah war last year. But it has drawn criticism from both sides and officials in President Donald Trump’s administration, which has moved to slash US funding for the operation as Trump remakes America’s approach to foreign policy.

“The security environment in Lebanon is radically different than just one year ago, creating the space for Lebanon to assume greater responsibility,” said the acting US ambassador, Dorothy Shea.

The peacekeeping force, known as UNIFIL, was created to oversee the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon after Israel’s 1978 invasion. Its mission was expanded following the month-long 2006 war between Israel and the militant group Hezbollah.