The Commander of the Lebanese Army discussed with a senior UN official, during an official meeting in Beirut, the arrangements related to the phase that may follow the end of the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), amid international discussions regarding its future deployment and role in the southern part of the country.
Supporting the Lebanese Military Institution and Preventing a Security Vacuum
During the meeting, the Commander of the Lebanese Army stressed the importance of continued support for the Lebanese military institution, emphasizing that the army represents the fundamental pillar for maintaining domestic stability and protecting borders, at a time when Lebanon faces intertwined security and economic challenges that require strengthening its logistical and operational capabilities.
He explained that any potential transition in UNIFIL’s mandate must take into account the security reality on the ground and the necessity of not leaving any vacuum that could negatively reflect on stability in southern Lebanon, especially in light of recurrent regional tensions.
UN Commitment to International Resolutions to Ensure a Smooth Transition
For his part, the UN official expressed interest in following up on developments, confirming the United Nations’ commitment to supporting Lebanon and its security institutions, and working to ensure a smooth transition for any future phase in accordance with relevant international resolutions.
This meeting comes at a time when discussions are increasing within international circles regarding the future of peacekeeping missions in Lebanon, amid calls for a comprehensive evaluation of UNIFIL’s role after years of deployment in the southern region.
