A Possible Positive Development in the UNIFIL File… Has Washington Been Convinced? (Al Joumhouria)
A Western diplomatic assessment revealed that contacts concerning UNIFIL’s mission and the expiration of its mandate at the end of this year are facing complications. The assessment pointed to Israel’s strong opposition to the continued presence of the force, arguing that UNIFIL has failed to carry out its duties, as well as to the U.S. position, which had been a key driver during the previous mandate renewal session in August 2025 toward ending UNIFIL’s mission. At the time, Washington announced a reduction in funding for the force, describing it as a waste of money.
According to the diplomatic assessment, although the U.S. position remains opposed to extending UNIFIL’s mandate, the issue may not be entirely closed. Discussions are still ongoing, while most members of the UN Security Council support Lebanon’s request to extend the mission.
The same assessment did not rule out a possible positive development during the three months remaining before UNIFIL’s mandate expires. It linked this possibility to discussions held at the United Nations and among several countries, which suggested that Washington, in light of the military developments that followed the latest war in southern Lebanon, may have begun to recognize the need for UNIFIL to continue carrying out some of its duties. No further details were provided.