Lebanon asked the UN Security Council to extend the peacekeeping mission in the south of the country

Lebanon sent a letter to the UN Security Council with a request to extend the peacekeeping mission in the south of the country, and this request was supported by France, as well as a number of other states.

Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament Nabih Berri said that the international presence in southern Lebanon must be maintained after the completion of the UN Interim Force (UNIFIL) mission.

Lebanon's desire to maintain a peacekeeping contingent is linked to Israeli actions in southern Lebanon, while the Israeli government opposes extending the mandate.

MOSCOW, September 13 - RIA Novosti. Lebanon sent a letter to the UN Security Council with a request to extend the peacekeeping mission in the south of the country; its request was supported by France, as well as a number of other states, the Financial Times newspaper reports, citing the text of the document and informed sources.

Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament Nabih Berri said on Saturday that the international presence in southern Lebanon should be maintained and after the UN Interim Force (UNIFIL) mission ends, another force under the UN flag could become a possible replacement for the peacekeepers.

“Paris and Beirut are seeking to maintain a UN peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon at the end of the year... In a letter distributed to members of the UN Security Council..., the Lebanese government... called for an extension of the “current arrangement for a limited period of time.” France and most other members of the UN Security Council expressed support for Lebanon’s request during discussions in the UN Security Council,” the newspaper said

As the publication notes, Lebanon’s desire to maintain a peacekeeping contingent is connected with Israel’s actions in southern Lebanon. At the same time, the Israeli government opposes extending the mandate.

According to the Financial Times, ideas for creating a new multinational peacekeeping force in Lebanon included a “reduced” UN mission and deployment of US, French or EU troops.

UNIFIL previously said that despite the decrease in violence compared to the beginning of the year, the situation in southern Lebanon remains fragile. From August 21 to 27, peacekeepers recorded 1,030 shells fired—an average of 147 per day.

In August 2025, the UN Security Council extended UNIFIL's mandate for the final time until December 31, 2026, after which an orderly and secure phased redeployment and withdrawal of forces should begin over the course of a year.

UNIFIL has been active in southern Lebanon since 1978, and following the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 in 2006, the peacekeepers' missions were expanded to include monitoring the cessation of hostilities, supporting the Lebanese army and helping to maintain stability along the Blue Line.