--- title: "Withdrawal of UNIFIL Peacekeepers Scheduled for 2026" url: https://newscentral.site/withdrawal-of-unifil-peacekeepers-scheduled-for-2026/ language: en publisher: "News Central Site" section: "World" published: 2026-10-20T18:19:00.000Z updated: 2026-10-21T05:47:36.742Z id: 6c37258c-769d-4db6-925d-bd89a1b4fa1b source: "DW English https://www.dw.com/en/lebanon-faces-uncertainty-as-unifil-mandate-nears-end/a-79714491?maca=en-rss-en-world-4025-rdf" attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/withdrawal-of-unifil-peacekeepers-scheduled-for-2026/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Withdrawal of UNIFIL Peacekeepers Scheduled for 2026 The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is set to withdraw its peacekeepers from southern Lebanon at the end of 2026, amid ongoing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. Lebanon is facing a growing sense of uncertainty as the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) draws to a close. The force, which has been deployed in southern Lebanon since 1978, is set to withdraw its 7,565 peacekeepers from the region on December 31, 2026. The Lebanese government has been pushing for a last-minute extension of UNIFIL's mandate, but so far, talks have been unsuccessful. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has warned that if no agreement is reached on a new international force to replace UNIFIL, it could lead to a "vacuum" in the region. The Blue Line, which marks the boundary between Israel and Lebanon, was established by the United Nations in 2000 as part of a ceasefire deal. The line stretches for 120 kilometers and has been patrolled by UNIFIL troops since its establishment. However, it remains unclear what will happen to this sensitive border region once UNIFIL's mandate comes to an end. The withdrawal of UNIFIL would have significant implications for the region, particularly in light of the ongoing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. The Lebanese government has been trying to ensure a smooth transition by pushing for a new international force to take over from UNIFIL, but negotiations are still underway. The presence of Israeli forces in Lebanon has been on the rise since the cross-border attacks by Hezbollah in 2023 and the subsequent war in 2024. The Israeli military has established a self-declared security zone called the Yellow Line, which spans across large areas of Lebanese territory north of the Blue Line. According to the International Organization for Migration, around 329,000 people remained internally displaced as of September 29, out of over 1.2 million who were displaced during the conflict in 2026. The Israeli military has also caused significant damage to homes and infrastructure in southern Lebanon, claiming it is necessary to protect its citizens from attacks originating from the area. Hezbollah's stance on disarmament remains unchanged, with the group insisting that it needs to maintain its armed capabilities as long as Israeli forces remain in Lebanese territory. This position is based on Hezbollah's self-defense strategy, which has been shaped by its historical conflicts with Israel. The group's ties to Iran also play a crucial role in regional dynamics, particularly in the event of another conflict between Iran and Israel. In such a scenario, Hezbollah would likely open a second front against Israeli forces in the north, providing support to its Iranian allies. The situation in southern Lebanon remains highly charged, according to UNIFIL's spokesperson Kandice Ardiel, who reports ongoing Israeli military operations in the region. These include the frequent overflights of Lebanese airspace by jets, helicopters and drones, as well as airstrikes, artillery strikes and mortar fire. As part of its mandate, UNIFIL continues to monitor developments on the ground, reporting daily on events and liaising with all parties involved to ensure the safe movement of civilians, humanitarian aid, and peacekeeping patrols. This work is set to cease when the mission's mandate comes to an end in December. The departure of UNIFIL troops will have a significant impact on thousands of personnel who have been stationed in southern Lebanon. Many have built careers, friendships, skills, and a sense of purpose during their time there, making the prospect of leaving a challenging one for them. Lebanon's government is also facing two major concerns regarding the upcoming withdrawal of UNIFIL troops. One key issue is that without an international military force in place, it will be difficult to track any violations of agreements between Israel and Hezbollah. The Lebanese government faces significant challenges in securing international funding to revive its economy, which has been severely impacted by years of political deadlock, the COVID-19 pandemic, soaring inflation, and economic crises. A key factor is that a substantial portion of international investment from countries like the United States and Gulf states is contingent on Hezbollah's disarmament. This creates tension between Lebanon's need for funding and its reliance on Hezbollah as a powerful force within the country. President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam have limited options to secure Hezbollah's disarmament, with no clear leverage to force the group to surrender its weapons without sparking a potentially deadly domestic conflict. Lebanon's leaders are also constrained by their inability to engage directly with Hezbollah or Iran, both of which oppose the group's disarmament. Instead, they have initiated talks with Israel in an effort to bring about an end to the recent conflict. As Lebanon navigates these complex negotiations, its leaders must carefully balance competing interests and priorities to achieve a lasting peace agreement that addresses the country's pressing economic and security needs. Lebanon's security situation remains precarious despite efforts to strengthen its armed forces through international cooperation. The European Union has announced plans to establish a support mission in Lebanon, which will focus on bolstering the capabilities of the country's military and internal security agencies. This new initiative, known as EUSM Lebanon, is expected to operate north of the Litani River, rather than deploying peacekeepers to patrol southern Lebanon, where Israeli-Hezbollah tensions remain high. Several countries that currently contribute troops to UNIFIL have expressed interest in joining this new mission, including Italy, France, and Spain, among others. The Lebanese government views this development as a positive sign, according to Shaya. He noted that Lebanese society also has strong support for their military, which is seen by many as the sole institution capable of upholding Lebanon's sovereignty and representing the entire country. The prospect of a new international mission in southern Lebanon has sparked interest among several countries currently contributing troops to UNIFIL, with some expressing willingness to join this new endeavor. --- Source: [DW English](https://www.dw.com/en/lebanon-faces-uncertainty-as-unifil-mandate-nears-end/a-79714491?maca=en-rss-en-world-4025-rdf) Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/withdrawal-of-unifil-peacekeepers-scheduled-for-2026/