Lebanese Leader discusses Lebanon need for UNIFIL
(MENAFN) Lebanese President Joseph Aoun emphasized on Monday the critical need to maintain the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in southern Lebanon amid escalating regional and domestic tensions.
“Now more than ever, the circumstances in Lebanon and the region require UNIFIL to stay,” Aoun said during a meeting with UNIFIL’s new Head of Mission and Force Commander, Major General Diodato Abagnara.
Aoun highlighted the importance of UNIFIL’s partnership with the Lebanese Army in preserving stability along the volatile southern border with Israel.
The remarks come amid ongoing discussions regarding the mission’s mandate, which is subject to annual renewal by the UN Security Council. In 2024, the council extended UNIFIL’s mandate through August 31, 2025, under Resolution 2749.
Earlier this month, Israeli media reported that the U.S. was considering withdrawing support from UNIFIL to reduce costs. However, a U.S. State Department spokesperson later called these reports “inaccurate.”
Abagnara, who has held prior leadership roles in UNIFIL, reaffirmed his commitment to deepening coordination with
the Lebanese Armed Forces.
UNIFIL reported that its western sector has conducted over 5,700 support operations for the Lebanese military since cross-border clashes between Hezbollah and Israel erupted in October 2023.
UNIFIL was established in 1978 and has undergone several mandate revisions, particularly after the 1982 Israeli invasion of Lebanon and the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war.
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