
Beirut fears a security gap in southern Lebanon after the possible departure of UN forces
AI-generated summary
The Lebanese authorities are seeking to extend the mandate of UNIFIL, which includes the Polish military contingent. Beirut fears that the departure of UN forces will create a gap in the security system in southern Lebanon. Israel has been criticizing UNIFIL for years for its ineffectiveness, arguing that in that time Hezbollah has built extensive military infrastructure in the border area. Fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has subsided since late June due to the U.S.-Iran agreement and the framework agreements between Lebanon and Israel, which provide for a ceasefire conditional on the disarmament of Hezbollah, the withdrawal of Israeli troops and the deployment of the Lebanese army in the south of the country.
The Lebanese authorities sought to extend the mandate of UNIFIL, which also includes the Polish military contingent. Beirut fears that the departure of UN forces will create a gap in the security system in southern Lebanon.
"The Security Council is considering options for the period after the end of UNIFIL's mandate," the UN mission said. It was emphasized that "decisions on any future arrangements rest with the Security Council."
UNIFIL assured that it will continue to carry out its daily tasks until the end of its mandate.
Israel criticized the effectiveness of the mission
As recalled by The Times of Israel, Israel has been accusing UNIFIL for years of failing to fulfill its basic obligations. He argued that at that time, Hezbollah had built extensive military infrastructure in the area of the border with Israel.
Lebanese Prime Minister warns Hezbollah
On Wednesday, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam called on Iran-backed Hezbollah not to allow the country to be drawn into a regional conflict again. The warning was made in the context of a possible resumption of American attacks on Iran, the AFP agency reported.
I reiterate my warning against the dangers of drawing Lebanon into another reckless adventure serving the interests of third parties, said the head of government. We will not agree to our country once again becoming an arena of foreign conflicts, he added.
Since the end of June, fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has decreased significantly. This was related to the US-Iran agreement and the framework arrangements between Lebanon and Israel. They provide for a ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli troops conditional on the disarmament of Hezbollah, and the deployment of the Lebanese army in the south of the country.
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The UN Security Council will decide on the extension or termination of UNIFIL's mandate
Likely · Within weeks
The Lebanese army will be deployed in southern Lebanon as part of the framework arrangements
Possible · Within months

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