UNIFIL chief calls for ensuring transfer of mission functions in Lebanon — Jerusalem Post
The commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Major General Diodato Abagnara, said in Lebanon that before the mission begins winding down at the end of 2026, its functions must be transferred to other UN structures and the Lebanese army. The Jerusalem Post reported this, citing Reuters.
Transfer of mission functions
The UN Security Council has decided that UNIFIL must begin withdrawing at the end of 2026. This has raised concerns about the continued provision of humanitarian aid and the transfer of peacekeepers’ positions to the Lebanese military.
According to Abagnara, UNIFIL is already working with the UN team in the country to ensure humanitarian support in areas from which peacekeepers will withdraw. The mission is also sharing information with the Lebanese army about sensitive areas and the ability to manage the situation there.
Since the start of the new war following Hezbollah’s attack on Israel in March, UNIFIL has also provided security for humanitarian convoys delivering aid to residents of several predominantly Christian towns in southern Lebanon, where Israeli forces are conducting military operations against the group.
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Transfer of posts and mandate
The head of UNIFIL acknowledged that handing over some posts to the Lebanese military could be difficult. According to him, more than half of these positions are located in areas that Israeli forces took control of after destroying Hezbollah infrastructure.
Abagnara spoke near the town of Mansouri, where, according to Reuters, Israeli forces were carrying out demolitions after residents were ordered to leave the town in June. He called the work a violation of UN Security Council resolutions on Lebanon. The Israeli military has said it is destroying Hezbollah infrastructure in the south of the country.
Lebanon seeks an extension of UNIFIL’s mandate, while other countries are discussing the possibility of creating a new multinational mission. Abagnara noted that without a new UN Security Council decision, UNIFIL must cease operations at the end of the year.
