Lebanese President Aoun Says First Choice Is To Extend UNIFIL Mandate

What happened

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Monday endorsed a parliamentary initiative supporting the extension of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mandate, saying the peacekeeping presence in southern Lebanon is important to maintain local stability and enable residents to remain in their villages.

Aoun highlighted that UNIFIL’s cooperation and coordination with the Lebanese Armed Forces is essential for sustaining stability. He emphasized that the extension of the mandate remains Lebanon’s primary option to ensure continued international military presence in the south.

Acknowledging Israel’s opposition to UNIFIL’s role and reported pressure to terminate the mission over the past year, Aoun outlined a contingency: if UNIFIL’s mandate is not extended, Lebanon would seek an alternative formula allowing international forces to remain under a legal framework and alongside the Lebanese Army.

Known from the source

• President Joseph Aoun welcomed a parliamentary initiative calling to extend UNIFIL's mandate.
• Aoun stated the presence of UNIFIL helps residents remain in southern Lebanese villages and towns.
• UNIFIL cooperates and coordinates with the Lebanese Army to strengthen stability.
• Lebanon’s first choice is to extend UNIFIL’s mandate; the second is to adopt an alternative legal framework for international forces’ presence alongside the Lebanese Army.
• Israel rejects UNIFIL’s presence and has pressured for nearly a year to end it, according to Aoun.

What remains unclear

The president framed this international presence as vital to preserving stability and enhancing the Lebanese state’s role in the south. His comments come amid ongoing tensions in the south involving Israel, Lebanese factions including Hezbollah, and UNIFIL’s complex mediation and peacekeeping role.

What remains unclear: Official confirmation from UNIFIL or the UN on Lebanon’s request and stance on mandate extension. Israeli government statements on UNIFIL’s mandate status and any recent pressure efforts. Details on the proposed alternative formula to UNIFIL’s presence if the mandate is not extended. Current status and timeline of UNIFIL mandate renewal discussions at the UN Security Council.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has treated the source material as confirmed within the supplied source context, while retaining attribution to the original publisher.

Original source: Naharnet Lebanon. Open the source.