UN says wants Lebanon stability as end of peacekeepers’ mandate looms

A visiting senior United Nations official on Wednesday (October 14, 2026) reaffirmed the body’s commitment to stability in Lebanon as the mandate of its peacekeeping force in the country is set to expire this year.

Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix met officials as well as representatives of countries contributing to the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which counts some 7,500 personnel from nearly 50 countries.

“I thanked them for their critical support to UNIFIL and reiterated the UN’s strong commitment to supporting peace and stability in Lebanon,” Mr. Lacroix said.

UNIFIL has served as a buffer between Israel and Lebanon since 1978, but its presence has been unable to prevent several rounds of conflict.

Under U.S. pressure, the UN Security Council last year voted to end UNIFIL’s mandate on December 31, 2026.

Lebanese officials have called for the mandate to be extended.