UN Security Council extends UNIFIL mandate in Lebanon for another year
The United Nations Security Council decided on Wednesday to renew the mandate of the UN peace mission in Lebanon, known as UNIFIL, for a full year. The mission operates under Spanish command and continues to be a critical presence along the Lebanon-Israel border.
All fifteen members of the Council agreed—or unanimously endorsed—the renewal, a move that preserves the core purpose of UNIFIL without broad changes to its existing mandate. The resolution maintains UNIFIL’s responsibilities to help secure peace on the border, ensure humanitarian access for civilians, and support the voluntary and safe return of those displaced by conflict.
The renewal also reinforces efforts to strengthen the capabilities of the Lebanese Armed Forces and to coordinate with them on border security south of the Litani River, thereby contributing to a more stable security environment in southern Lebanon.
UNIFIL was established in 1978 and underwent a major shift after the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah. Its updated role focuses on supervising Israel’s withdrawal from areas in Lebanon and assisting the Lebanese government in extending its authority over the border region, as well as monitoring the ceasefire between the parties.
Presently, UNIFIL numbers nearly 10,000 military personnel, with more than 600 hailing from Spain, a country that has traditionally played a leading role in the mission. The operation has long relied on a mix of troop-contributing countries and a robust mandate to support stability in a tense border area.
Spanish General Aroldo Lázaro Sáenz has commanded UNIFIL since February, navigating the challenges posed by the broader Lebanese crisis and regional tensions in the Middle East. His leadership coincides with ongoing efforts to adapt the mission to evolving security dynamics while maintaining its core mission of protecting civilians and assisting Lebanese authorities on the ground.
In the broader context, the extension of UNIFIL’s mandate reflects ongoing international cooperation aimed at reducing violence, facilitating aid delivery, and promoting a credible path toward longer-term peace and resilience for communities near the border. The council’s action signals continued international commitment to a stabilizing presence in a region that has seen repeated rounds of conflict and humanitarian strain in recent years, with the UN emphasizing the importance of verified ceasefires, cross-border coordination, and civilian protection as essential components of the mission’s work.
Observers note that the renewal also puts a spotlight on the role of regional leadership and the contribution of troop-contributing countries in sustaining a multinational peacekeeping effort. The decision underscores a shared responsibility among member states to support a neutral, impartial mission that operates under a strict framework of consent, impartiality, and non-use of force except in self-defense or defense of the mandate.
Within UNIFIL’s framework, the focus remains on creating conditions for stability that can enable Lebanon to pursue effective governance and humanitarian access. The mission’s presence continues to be paired with efforts by Lebanese authorities to extend state authority and security sector reform, aiming to reduce the risk of renewed confrontations and to improve living conditions for residents along the border.
Surveys of the situation in southern Lebanon indicate that while the security environment remains fragile, international engagement and local cooperation have yielded incremental improvements in safety, freedom of movement, and access for aid organizations. The renewed mandate is expected to sustain these gains while supporting the Lebanese government’s efforts to manage the border region, protect civilians, and promote sustainable recovery in affected communities. The council’s decision will be periodically reviewed to adjust objectives in response to evolving conditions on the ground.
As UNIFIL continues its work, the mission will maintain close coordination with Lebanese authorities, other international partners, and humanitarian agencies to ensure that the needs of civilians are at the forefront. The renewal confirms that the international community remains committed to a stable, peaceful border area and to helping Lebanon build a safer, more resilient future for its people.
End of update. (Notes from the Security Council briefing and subsequent official statements.)