UN peacekeepers prepare to exit southern Lebanon as Israeli forces tighten grip

UNIFIL, established in 1978 to oversee Israel’s withdrawal, is slated to end its mandate after 48 years, with the final pullout scheduled for the close of 2026. Israeli forces now occupy about 6% of Lebanese territory, having razed villages and limited civilian traffic in the south. French peacekeepers man a strategic outpost near Bint Jbeil, using radar to detect artillery and record over 11,000 violations since June.

As the UN force prepares to leave, France is pressing for a new multinational contingent, while the Lebanese army is expected to take over security duties despite current Israeli blockades. Local residents, such as Michel Shoufany of Rmeich, fear the loss of UN protection will further erode safety and humanitarian aid in the remaining enclaves.