The European Union’s chief diplomat suggested on Saturday that the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL) should have its mandate strengthened. This comes as the mission currently struggles to mediate between Hezbollah and Israel, with allegations that the Israeli military has intentionally targeted its positions.
Josep Borrell made these remarks to reporters during a G7 Defense Ministers’ meeting in Naples, Italy. He noted, “They cannot act independently; it is clearly a limited role. We could consider expanding this role, but it requires a decision from the United Nations Security Council.”
Borrell outlined his priorities for Lebanon, including an “immediate ceasefire” and a “more robust mandate for UNIFIL.” He emphasized that Lebanon faces a new political context filled with dangers, yet it could also lead to significant changes. “The most important thing is the country’s opportunity to finally build its full sovereignty, which has been undermined by external actors,” he stated.
He also called for the implementation of UN Resolution 1701, which marked the end of the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in 2006 and specifies that only UN peacekeepers and the Lebanese army should be deployed in southern Lebanon, bordering Israel.
This article is originally published on french.ahram.org.eg
