Lebanon Concerned Over Consequences of UNIFIL Withdrawal from the South — Seeks International Presence

Lebanon is concerned about the consequences of the withdrawal of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) from the south of the country, Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji told his Irish counterpart Helen McEntee on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.

Rajji said Lebanon is committed to “an international presence in the south,” according to a statement from the Lebanese foreign ministry.

The UNIFIL chief said on Saturday that it was critical to ensure other UN agencies and Lebanese troops could take over the duties performed by the force before it begins its withdrawal at the end of 2026.

Israel has held parts of southern Lebanon occupied since war broke out in March between Israel and Hezbollah. A US-mediated framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon foresees a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory and the deployment of the Lebanese army in the vacated areas.

Source: Al Jazeera