Aoun Prioritizes UNIFIL Renewal but Leaves Door Open to a UN Alternative

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said on November 14 that Lebanon prioritizes keeping the UN Interim Force in Lebanon and renewing its mandate, while remaining open to changes in its mission or an alternative under UN authority. He set out that position during a meeting with UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed at Baabda Palace before noon. According to the Lebanese presidency, Aoun said the priority remains “continuation of UNIFIL’s mission and renewal of its mandate.” He said that if the force cannot continue in its current form in 2027, it should keep carrying out its duties during withdrawal, or be followed by a UN mechanism that prevents a security and institutional vacuum in southern Lebanon. He said Security Council Resolution 1701 must remain the legal basis for future arrangements. The presidency’s account said Mohammed stressed avoiding a vacuum, helping residents return and supporting reconstruction and Lebanese state institutions. Aoun said bringing weapons under state control requires political, social, economic and development measures alongside security action. He argued that military measures alone are insufficient, and discussed rebuilding three partially damaged areas to encourage residents to return. UNIFIL’s published mandate describes a final extension until December 31, 2026, followed by drawdown and withdrawal through 2027. Its tasks include monitoring the cessation of hostilities and helping the Lebanese army keep the area between the Blue Line and the Litani River free of unauthorized weapons. In a November 9 statement, Israel’s Foreign Ministry accused UNIFIL’s presence of covering Hezbollah’s military buildup and cited a weapons cache found less than 100 meters from a UNIFIL outpost.