The UNIFIL withdrawal from South Lebanon will begin at the end of 2026 following the expiration of its mandate, with most troops set to leave by mid-2027. The spokesperson for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, Candice Ardiel, confirmed to AFP that the mission intends to reduce and withdraw “all or most of its uniformed personnel” within the announced timeline.
The move follows a decision by the UN Security Council on August 28, 2025, to extend UNIFIL’s mandate for a final time until December 31, 2026, and to initiate a coordinated and safe drawdown over the course of one year.
UNIFIL has been deployed in southern Lebanon since 1978, operating as a buffer force along the Lebanese border with Israel and monitoring the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
Security Council Decision and Withdrawal Timeline
Under the Security Council resolution, the drawdown process will begin on December 31, 2026, and is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
According to Ardiel, once operational activities conclude, UNIFIL will:
Withdraw personnel and equipment
Transfer its positions to Lebanese authorities
Maintain limited tasks, including protection of UN personnel and assets
Support the safe departure of remaining troops and materiel
She emphasized that the recent reduction in troop numbers is directly linked to the United Nations’ financial crisis and cost cutting measures affecting all missions, and not to the expiration of the mandate.
Current Force Size and Operational Role
UNIFIL currently consists of approximately 7,500 troops from 48 countries. The force has reduced its numbers by around 2,000 personnel in recent months, with an additional 200 troops expected to depart by May, according to the spokesperson.
The mission’s responsibilities include:
Conducting patrols near the Lebanese Israeli border
Monitoring violations of Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah
Supporting the Lebanese Army’s deployment south of the Litani River
Following the November 2024 ceasefire that ended more than a year of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, UNIFIL supported the Lebanese Army, which was tasked by the government with implementing a disarmament plan in the area south of the Litani.
The mission has repeatedly reported Israeli fire targeting its positions or surrounding areas since the ceasefire took effect. Israel has continued carrying out strikes in southern Lebanon, stating that the operations aim to prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding its military capabilities.
Lebanese Position and International Responses
Since the decision to end the mandate, Lebanese authorities have called for maintaining an international presence in southern Lebanon, even in a reduced form, while emphasizing the importance of continued European participation.
Italy has expressed readiness to keep its forces in southern Lebanon after UNIFIL’s departure. Meanwhile, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated during a visit to Beirut last week that the Lebanese Army should assume the responsibilities currently carried out by the international force.
As part of the ceasefire implementation, the Lebanese Army has strengthened its deployment in the area south of the Litani River, which extends approximately 30 kilometers from the Israeli border. Last month, the army announced it had completed the removal of unauthorized weapons from that zone and is expected to present a plan to the Council of Ministers to continue the process in areas north of the river.
Conclusion:
The UNIFIL withdrawal from South Lebanon marks a significant shift in the security landscape of the region, with responsibility gradually transitioning to the Lebanese Army, while international actors continue to monitor the implementation of Resolution 1701 and post mandate arrangements.
