Key facts
- Human Rights Watch is urging the UN to maintain an international force in Lebanon.
- The UN Security Council previously decided to end the mandate of UNIFIL by December 31, 2026.
- HRW argues that peacekeepers are crucial for deterring attacks on civilians and human rights abuses.
- The organization advocates for extending UNIFIL's mandate until the security situation significantly improves.
- The US and Israel reportedly oppose extending UNIFIL's mandate beyond 2026, while most other Security Council members support an extension.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) is urging the United Nations to ensure an international force remains in southern Lebanon to protect civilians and deter human rights abuses, particularly in light of escalating hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. The UN Security Council had previously decided in August 2025 to extend the mandate of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which has been in place since 1978, one final time until the end of 2026, when a phased withdrawal was to begin.
HRW's UN director, Louis Charbonneau, stated that withdrawing UNIFIL without a robust international force would leave millions of Lebanese civilians vulnerable. He emphasized that the peacekeepers serve as a crucial deterrent against attacks and human rights abuses. The organization advocates for delaying UNIFIL's departure and extending its mandate until the security situation improves sufficiently.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has indicated that peacekeepers will be necessary in Lebanon after the current mandate expires, a suggestion that may face opposition from the United States and Israel. In contrast, France and Italy have proposed forming a coalition to strengthen Lebanon's sovereignty and prevent regional escalation after UNIFIL's potential withdrawal.
Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun has called for UNIFIL to remain, or for an alternative force to assist the Lebanese army. The country's UN mission has also sent a letter, supported by 86 member states, to the UN Security Council requesting the continuation of UNIFIL troops with an expanded mandate.
The decision to end UNIFIL's mandate came before the recent escalation of hostilities, which began in March 2026. Since then, Israeli forces have displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians and occupied large areas of southern Lebanon. Despite a declared ceasefire on April 17, 2026, and ongoing US-brokered talks, attacks by Hezbollah and the Israeli military have continued. According to Lebanon's Ministry of Health, Israeli attacks since March 2 have killed over 4,333 people and wounded more than 12,250. UNIFIL personnel have also been victims of deadly attacks during this period.
While the US and Israel have expressed opposition to extending UNIFIL's mandate past 2026, diplomats suggest that as many as 14 out of the 15 Security Council members would support delaying the mission's removal. As a permanent member, the US could potentially veto any extension. Denmark's UN ambassador has also suggested that the council should reconsider the termination decision given the worsened security situation.