General Antonio Li Gobbi: “I believe that the US would have liked an even faster retreat and that the resolution is, as always, the result of compromise, in this case especially with France that has always supported the need for Unifil”.
The UN Security Council sanctioned the closure of the mission Unifil in southern Lebanon by the end of the 2026, with a complete retreat foreseen in the following year. A historical decision that sets almost fifty years of presence of the United Nations in an area that remains one of the most unstable in the Middle East. The agreement achieved by the fifteen represents the result of a delicate compromise. Washingtoninitially in favor of a quick disposal within six months, has accepted a 16 -month final extension, which will allow the multinational force to gradually reduce its activities up to the final retreat. The declared goal is to transfer the management of security exclusively to the Lebanese government, called to demonstrate that it can contain the influence of Hezbollah in the south of the country and to ensure that Israel retire his troops from the areas beyond the Blue line.
Created in 1978 after the Israeli invasion, and expanded in 2006 Following the war with Hezbollah, Unifil He played a stabilization role, often criticized but difficult to replace. With his 10,800 military and civilians, monitored respect for the cease and limited – albeit with little coercive power – the accidents along the border. Over the years, however, many observers have accused the mission of helplessness in the face of the growing militarization of Hezbollah. The sunited tatiunder the administration Trumpled the campaign for closing, gradually reducing the loans. France And Italyon the other hand, they insisted on an orderly retreat, fearing that a sudden exit left room for an uncontrolled expansion of the militias philharanean. Not surprisingly, the approved text underlines the need to strengthen the Lebanese army with aid, supplies and equipment, so as to avoid a void of power.
Israel’s position
Israel he welcomed the decision of the UN Security Council to end, at the end of next year, to the mandate of the provisional force of the United Nations in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa’arexpressed satisfaction with the initiative by attributing to Washington a decisive role in achieving the ceiling. In a note released by his office he said: «Israel appreciates the position of the United States, and in particular that of the Secretary of State Rubiowhich made this result possible. American involvement in creating a safer context for the states of the region is a positive step “.Sa’ar He added: «The recent developments in Lebanon they are encouraging. Israel It will continue to supervise that these progress is not compromised and to guarantee the safety of the inhabitants of the North ” Security Council national », leading consultations with” leading international partners “parallel. Such activities, he claims Jerusalemthey would have contributed to the decision to close the mission. Also the Israeli ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danondefined the decision “good news”. In a video message he stressed that UNIFIL “failed in its task and allowed Hezbollah to transform himself into the main threat of the area”. He added: “Now it is up to the Lebanese government to take responsibility and ensure that no other force is present along the border with Israel”. The mission mandate will officially end in December 2026 and the troop withdrawal is scheduled for the following year. Israel had initially requested that the mission was interrupted more quickly, claiming that theUnifil He hadn’t acted effectively against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. However, its main ally, the United States, finally aligned with the position of the majority of Security Councilaccepting a last extension of a year before the final retreat.
The end of the UN mission in Lebanon: for Israel an opportunity, for Beirut a challenge
However, the resolution maintains some operating margins up to 2026: Unifil can continue to protect the staff UNmonitor the area of their bases and collaborate in the distribution of humanitarian aid. Reduced functions, which mark the transition from active mission to a simple presence of transition. We asked the general Antonio Li Gobbi – former commander of the genius, former director of operations at the International Staff of Born to Brussels an opinion on the decision of the Security Council of theUN: «I would not say that one can be surprised by the decision of the Security Council to end the mission Unifil. The question was in the air at least since last year, when the disagreements between Israelis and Unifil (which have always been physiological) have accentuated for the need for the IDF to contrast the terrorist activity of Hezbollah Entering Lebanon. We recall the piccate positions of exponents of our government, but Israel It was under attack, resolution 1702 of the Security Council had never been implemented and, after the massacre of 7 October, under attack by Iran, Yemen, Gaza And West Board And it is understandable that the IDF could not go for the subtle. ” But then it is the fault of the contingents who with the blue Basque presided over the South of Lebanon?
«No, this type of mission exceeded the already limited skills of theUN. That the Israeli government would see the withdrawal of Unifil After that date it is not a mystery. However, it took support to theUN: with Joe Biden they would not have obtained it, with Donald Trump Yes. I think the USA they would have liked an even faster retreat and that the resolution is, as always, the result of compromise, in this case especially with the France who has always supported the need for Unifil ». The fate of Southern Lebanontherefore, is played on a fragile balance: on the one hand the international will to normalize safety management, on the other the risk that Hezbollah take advantage of the void to further consolidate one’s influence. For israelthe closure of Unifil represents an opportunity to strengthen pressure on the Lebanese government; For Beirut, A crucial challenge, in a political and economic context already marked by institutional collapse. If 2027 will be the year of full assumption of responsibility by Beirut or that of the definitive rooting of the filioranian militias remains, at the moment, an unanswered question.
