UNIFIL

UN Peacekeeper Killed in 2022: Main Suspect Sentenced to Death in Absentia

The military court sentenced a man to death in absentia for killing an Irish United Nations peacekeeper, a judicial official said Tuesday, after Hezbollah members were accused of involvement in the 2022 incident. Private Sean Rooney, 23, was killed and three others were wounded after a UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) convoy came under fire ...

UNIFIL Mandate Shift Could Ignite Region: Will the US Push Back on Israeli Demands?

One month separates Lebanon from a critical juncture, one of the most sensitive in its modern history. At the end of August, the United Nations Security Council will decide whether to renew the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) for another year. The decision could either reaffirm the mission’s role or mark its ...

Israeli Drone Strikes Car in Tebnine, Forces Advance Near Aitaroun

An Israeli drone launched two missiles on Tuesday at a vehicle in the Ain al-Mazrab area of Tebnine, South Lebanon, causing destruction. Later that night, an Israeli force, supported by three military vehicles including a bulldozer, advanced from a newly built position on Jabal al-Batt near the outskirts of Aitaroun. The force began excavation ...

Tom Barrack Says US Supports Lebanon Without Any Demands

In an exclusive interview with Tele Liban, US envoy Tom Barrack stressed that the United States has made “no demands” on Lebanon and is only offering assistance at the country’s request. “We came to help, not to dictate,” Barrack said, clarifying that Washington’s role is to support Lebanon in resolving internal and regional tensions, ...

European Union Reaffirms Strong Support for Lebanon and Encourages Key Reforms

The European Union and Member State Ambassadors met with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri on Thursday to confirm their strong support for Lebanon, especially in areas affected by conflict. According to a press release published by the Delegation of the European Union to Lebanon, the EU and its Member States have so far provided more than 600 ...

How Effective Is UNIFIL?

With its mandate set to expire on August 31, 2025, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is once again facing scrutiny over its effectiveness in fulfilling its mission. Enlarged under UN Security Council Resolution 1701 in 2006 to prevent the presence of armed groups south of the Litani River, UNIFIL has struggled to enforce its ...

President Aoun Meets New UNIFIL Chief, Reaffirms Commitment to Resolution 1701

President Joseph Aoun met on Monday with the new head of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), General Diodato Abagnara, during a courtesy visit marking the start of the general’s mandate. During the meeting, President Aoun underscored the importance of UNIFIL’s continued cooperation with the Lebanese Army in southern ...

Is Arms Control Key to the Continuation of UNIFIL and the Quintet's Mission?

International pressure is mounting on Lebanon to assert full state control over arms possession. According to sources quoted by al-Hadath, this move is now seen as essential for the continuation of both the international Quintet’s role and the UNIFIL peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon. The Quintet, which includes the United States, ...

Lebanon Requests One-Year Renewal for UNIFIL

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formally requested a one-year extension of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)’s mandate, set to begin on August 31, 2025. In a statement issued Friday, the ministry said the request follows a decision approved by the Cabinet during its May 14 session. The ministry confirmed that a letter was ...

Who Is Diodato Abagnara, UNIFIL's New Head of Mission?

Diodato Abagnara, an Italian major general, took command of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on Tuesday, succeeding Spanish Lieutenant General Aroldo Lázaro Sáenz at the head of approximately 10,000 soldiers from 47 countries. Born in 1970 in Pagani, Italy, and with a military career spanning more than 36 years, Diodato ...