Lebanon’s south braces for UNIFIL exit: Italy and France discuss next steps

After decades of keeping the peace in southern Lebanon, UNIFIL is set to withdraw most of its troops by 2027, leaving Italy, France, and the Lebanese army to shape the region’s future security.

Annahar

Lebanon’s south braces for UNIFIL exit: Italy and France discuss next steps

UNIFIL in south Lebanon. (AFP)

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) plans to withdraw most of its troops from Lebanon by mid-2027, a spokesperson told AFP on Tuesday, as its mandate comes to an end at the close of this year.

UNIFIL has been deployed in southern Lebanon since 1978 as a buffer force between Lebanon and Israel. Following a ceasefire in November 2024 that ended a conflict lasting over a year, it has been supporting the Lebanese army, which the government tasked with implementing a disarmament plan for Hezbollah.

The international force's spokesperson, Kandice Ardiel, stated, "UNIFIL plans to reduce and withdraw all or most of its regular personnel by mid-2027," with the process expected to be completed by the end of the year.

On August 28, 2025, the UN Security Council decided "to extend UNIFIL's mandate one final time until December 31, 2026, and to commence a coordinated and safe drawdown and withdrawal process starting December 31, 2026, within a one-year timeframe."

After its operations conclude at the end of this year, the international force, according to Ardiel, will begin "the process of withdrawing personnel and equipment, transferring our sites to Lebanese authorities," and will subsequently carry out limited tasks, including "protecting UN personnel and assets" and supporting the safe departure of personnel and equipment.

Since the ceasefire took effect, UNIFIL has repeatedly reported Israeli fire targeting its personnel or the areas around its centers, while Israel has continued to carry out strikes.

The international force currently comprises approximately 7,500 soldiers from 48 countries in southern Lebanon, having reduced its personnel by about 2,000 in recent months, with 200 more scheduled to leave by May, according to Ardiel.

This reduction in personnel is directly linked to the financial crisis affecting the United Nations and "cost-cutting measures that all missions have been forced to implement," and is not related to the end of the mandate.

Since the Security Council's decision to end UNIFIL's mandate, Lebanese authorities have insisted on maintaining at least a small international force in the south of the country, emphasizing the importance of European countries’ participation.

Italy has expressed willingness to keep its forces in southern Lebanon after UNIFIL's departure, while French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, during his visit to Beirut last week, stated that the Lebanese army should take over from the international force.