Between Washington and Tel Aviv… Is UNIFIL nearing the end of its mission in Lebanon?

9th June 2025

2 minutes read

Between Washington and Tel Aviv… Is UNIFIL nearing the end of its mission in Lebanon?

Speculation is mounting over the future of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), amid media reports suggesting a possible joint move by the US and Israel.

This is according to reports by Israeli outlets including The Jerusalem Post and Israel Hayom, which claim that Tel Aviv and Washington are considering the dissolution of UNIFIL operations in southern Lebanon.

The reports indicate that Israel supports ending UNIFIL‘s mission, arguing that its presence is no longer necessary. The United Nations is due to renew the force’s mandate this coming August.

According to Israel Hayom, US officials are reviewing the possibility of withdrawing Washington’s support for UNIFIL, as part of efforts to reduce operational costs.

If the United States moves forward with the decision, Israel is expected to back it, seeking alignment with President Donald Trump’s administration and in light of the security cooperation with the Lebanese army since the November ceasefire, the paper adds.

What’s behind this possible move?

The paper notes that the Lebanese Armed Forces have demonstrated relative effectiveness in deterring Hezbollah and preventing its rearmament, making much of UNIFIL’s presence in the region redundant.

However, sources quoted by The Times of Israel revealed that Washington has yet to make a final decision on its future support, but is calling for significant reforms, which—if unmet—could lead to a withdrawal of backing.

Since UNIFIL’s mandate is granted through an annual UN Security Council resolution, the United States could exercise its veto power against the next renewal expected in August.

As of this writing, neither Washington nor Tel Aviv has issued any official comment on the matter.

How UNIFIL was established

UNIFIL has been operating in southern Lebanon since 1978, initially tasked with overseeing the withdrawal of Israeli forces after regional conflict.

Following the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah, the UN Security Council expanded UNIFIL’s mandate, allowing it to deploy along the Israeli border and assist the Lebanese army in re-establishing authority in the south—for the first time in decades.

The force operates under Resolution 1701, which aimed to end the 2006 war, enforce a full cessation of hostilities, and disarm Hezbollah. Since then, its mandate has been renewed annually.