UN Secretary-General Proposes New Force to Replace UNIFIL in Southern Lebanon
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has proposed the establishment of a new force to replace the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which has been maintaining a buffer presence in southern Lebanon since 1978. This proposal comes in response to the UN Security Council's decision to terminate UNIFIL by the end of 2026. The new force would aim to ensure the ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel is maintained. Guterres outlined three potential models for the new force, ranging from a robust deployment of 350 military observers supported by infantry battalions, to a lighter option with 215 unarmed observers. Each model includes various levels of monitoring and enforcement capabilities, with the most ambitious option allowing for comprehensive patrols and coordination with both the Lebanese Armed Forces and the Israel Defense Forces. The proposal highlights the need for substantial support assets, such as helicopters and surveillance systems, to effectively monitor the Blue Line, the de facto b... 
