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3. Renewal of UNIFIL Tied to Completion of Hezbollah’s Disarmament Plan

The upcoming renewal deadline for the international forces, scheduled for August 31, coincides with the Lebanese Army’s deadline to submit a plan aimed at limiting weapons possession exclusively to the state. This plan is to be presented to the Cabinet. According to US sources, Washington is closely watching the outcome of this process to decide its stance on renewing UNIFIL’s mandate at the UN Security Council, particularly concerning the mission’s scope of authority. These sources indicate that the US plans to carefully monitor the army’s progress in drafting the disarmament strategy.

Lebanese officials have now come to understand that UNIFIL’s continued presence south of the Litani River hinges on serious efforts to disarm Hezbollah, not only in that region but throughout Lebanon. If successful, this process could lead to an expanded mandate for UNIFIL, potentially extending its deployment across Lebanese territory, especially along the eastern border with Syria.

In this context, France recently highlighted a series of achievements by its UNIFIL contingent related to Hezbollah’s disarmament, particularly in the southern area south of the Litani where Resolution 1701 is enforced. Reports indicate that the French unit intentionally publicized the discovery of Hezbollah military infrastructure and various weapons in southern Lebanon’s western sector near the Blue Line. They also deliberately circulated photos of the operation, sending a clear message that UNIFIL is actively and effectively fulfilling its mission and that its renewal is crucial for the ongoing implementation of Resolution 1701 in coordination with the Lebanese Army.

These developments and discussions are currently circulating within UN corridors in New York, particularly among US and French officials who, supported by other member states, are leading the drafting of the renewal resolution.

Meanwhile, Americans are coordinating with Israelis, who, according to some information, remain opposed to the automatic renewal of UNIFIL’s mandate. They are reportedly presenting two stark choices: either a complete termination of the mission or a significant expansion of its authority to match that of the Lebanese Army, effectively turning UNIFIL into a rapid deployment force capable of operating anywhere in Lebanon.