Brief
UN peacekeeping chief warns of security vacuum as UNIFIL mandate ends
Lacroix says negotiations on a successor force must start soon, as Lebanon faces a possible security gap.
By Felo News Desk · Published
The United Nations Under‑Secretary‑General for Peacekeeping Operations, Jean‑Pierre Lacroix, told the Associated Press in Beirut on Wednesday that Lebanon’s request for a continued UN presence must be heard as the UNIFIL mandate expires at the end of 2026.
What happened
Lacroix said the Security Council voted in August 2025 to terminate UNIFIL’s nearly 50‑year mandate on 31 December 2026, following pressure from the United States and Israel, which claim the force has failed to stop Hezbollah’s buildup. He added that Lebanese authorities have asked for a last‑minute extension, but no decision has been made.
What the report adds
The Independent notes that several options for a successor force are being examined, though no specific format has been agreed. Lacroix expects “negotiations will begin in earnest at the Security Council” soon and that a decision should be reached before the mandate expires. He also highlighted that a small unarmed observer mission, UNTSO, will remain after UNIFIL departs, but questioned whether it can operate without a protective UN military presence.
What was said
"The Lebanese authorities were unanimous in telling us they want to keep a U.N. presence," Lacroix told the AP.
"The voice of the Lebanese authorities should be heard very clearly during that process of negotiation," he added.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said a UN withdrawal would create a vacuum with negative repercussions for regional security.
How it came about
UNIFIL’s mandate was set to end after a decade‑long presence that began in 1978. The mission has been involved in border monitoring, aid convoy escorts and civilian protection amid the Israel‑Hezbollah war that erupted in March 2026. The European Union announced a new support mission focused on training the Lebanese army, but it will not replace UNIFIL’s patrol duties.
Key facts
- UNIFIL’s mandate expires on 31 December 2026. (independent.co.uk)
- The UN Security Council voted in August 2025 to end the mandate. (independent.co.uk)
- Lebanese authorities have asked for a last‑minute extension, without success. (independent.co.uk)
- A small UN observer force (UNTSO) will remain after UNIFIL departs. (independent.co.uk)
- President Joseph Aoun warned the withdrawal would create a security vacuum. (independent.co.uk)
Timeline
- 2025-08-01 — UN Security Council votes to terminate UNIFIL mandate at end of 2026.
- 2026-03-01 — Israel‑Hezbollah war erupts, worsening security in southern Lebanon.
- 2026-10-14 — UN peacekeeping chief Jean‑Pierre Lacroix discusses UNIFIL exit in Beirut.
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “UN peacekeeping chief says major questions hang over southern Lebanon as UNIFIL exit nears”
