The head of UN peacekeepers in Lebanon, Major General Diodato Abagnara, stated on Saturday that a smooth transition of tasks to other UN agencies and Lebanese troops is crucial before the UNIFIL force begins its withdrawal at the end of 2026. Abagnara emphasized the importance of UNIFIL's continued presence amid ongoing conflict.
The withdrawal of UNIFIL from southern Lebanon could disrupt humanitarian aid deliveries and create a security vacuum in a region already experiencing heightened conflict, potentially impacting regional stability and the safety of civilians.
Major General Diodato Abagnara, the head of United Nations peacekeepers in Lebanon, emphasized on Saturday the critical need for a smooth transition of responsibilities to other UN agencies and Lebanese troops before the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) begins its withdrawal at the end of 2026. Abagnara spoke to Reuters from a UNIFIL-operated position in southern Lebanon, a region where the peacekeeping force has monitored hostilities for nearly 50 years.
Amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hezbollah, UNIFIL has also been providing security escorts for humanitarian aid convoys to towns encircled by Israeli forces. The UN Security Council's order for UNIFIL's withdrawal has raised concerns about the continuity of aid deliveries and the transfer of UN positions to Lebanese troops.
Abagnara noted that UNIFIL is collaborating with the UN's country team to ensure humanitarian assistance and information sharing with the Lebanese army, particularly regarding "sensitive areas." He acknowledged the difficulty in handing over some posts located within areas controlled by Israeli troops, describing Israeli demolitions in the town of Mansouri as "another violation" of UN Security Council resolutions.
With a US-backed plan to disarm Hezbollah and for the Lebanese army to take control of southern Lebanon stalled, a diplomatic effort is underway to address the potential vacuum left by UNIFIL's departure. While Lebanon seeks an extension and other countries have discussed a new multinational mission, Abagnara stated that without a new Security Council decision, UNIFIL's operations would cease at the end of the year, underscoring the essential nature of the UN's presence in the region.