UN Vote on Lebanon Peacekeeping Force Delayed

The renewal of the UNIFIL peacekeeping mission in Lebanon is facing a delay due to discussions between France, the US, and the UAE regarding the freedom of movement of UN troops.

This mission is authorized for a year and its current mandate is set to expire on Thursday. France has proposed a resolution to extend the mission, but the US and the UAE have expressed concerns about weakened language regarding the movement of UN troops.

In his message to the Security Council on August 3, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that UNIFIL continued to face restrictions to its freedom of movement and delays in access to locations of interest.

“The mission's ability to conduct patrols and activities independently must be maintained,” Guterres pointed out.

The Security Council stalemate comes after an escalating war of words between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon with each vowing to return the other to the “Stone Age” and preparing for possible conflict even as they deny seeking one.

It's worth mentioning that the UNIFIL – established in 1978 – patrols Lebanon's southern border with Israel.