Future of southern Lebanon peacekeeping uncertain ahead of UNIFIL phase-out

Beirut, Lebanon – As time runs out on the mandate for UNIFIL, the United Nations peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon, there is still strong international and domestic support for peacekeepers in the region, devastated by an Israeli war since 2023, in which thousands have been killed.Even if another peacekeeping force is created once the UNIFIL mandate expires at the end of the year, it will likely have fewer troops and be part of a regional agreement.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Palestinian club football to restart in September after Gaza war suspensionlist 2 of 3Why Netanyahu’s ‘coup’ against Gaza plan risks endless warlist 3 of 3What’s behind Trump’s shift to economic pressure on Iran? Will it work?end of list“This requires Lebanese state authority and monopoly over arms, Israeli withdrawal and respect for Lebanese sovereignty, and Iranian compliance with noninterference in Lebanese affairs,” Lebanese political scientist Imad Salamey told Al Jazeera.“International forces can monitor and support peace, but they cannot substitute for domestic and regional agreement to uphold it.”UNIFIL’s mandate began in 1978, during the Lebanese civil war. It has often been acc...