U.S. and Israel Agree to End UNIFIL Mission in Southern Lebanon
The United States and Israel have reached a joint agreement to terminate the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which has operated in southern Lebanon since 1978. The final decision will be made by the UN Security Council in August. Washington reportedly seeks to reduce spending on international peacekeeping, while Israel believes UNIFIL is no longer necessary, citing enhanced coordination with the Lebanese Army. The move could have significant security implications along the volatile Israel–Lebanon border, especially as regional tensions continue to rise.
