UN Security Council Backs Lebanon’s Sovereignty and Calls for Strengthened Armed Forces in the South
Rokna Political Desk: The United Nations Security Council has expressed support for the Lebanese government’s efforts to assert sovereignty over the entire country and urged international backing for Lebanon’s armed forces to ensure a stable presence south of the Litani River.
On Friday, local time, the UN Security Council expressed support for the Lebanese government’s efforts and commitments to assert sovereignty over all of its national territory.
According to the UN statement, “Members of the Security Council welcomed the efforts and commitments of the Lebanese government to exercise sovereignty over the entire country through the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and recognize no entity other than the Lebanese government.”
The Council also called for global support for the Lebanese Armed Forces “to ensure their effective and sustainable deployment south of the Litani River.”
Security Council members reiterated their full support for UNIFIL (the UN Interim Force in Lebanon) and urged all parties to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of UNIFIL personnel and facilities, emphasizing that peacekeeping forces must not be targeted.
The statement continued: “Security Council members called on all parties to honor their commitments under the November 26, 2024, ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, as well as their obligations under international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians.”
The Council also welcomed the Lebanese government’s readiness to demarcate its border with Syria and its efforts to combat smuggling.
In conclusion, Security Council members urged the full implementation of Resolutions 1701 (2006) and 1559 (2004).
UNIFIL has been active in southern Lebanon since 1978 and was significantly reinforced after the 2006 war between Israel and the Lebanese resistance group Hezbollah, according to Resolution 1701.
Border clashes between Hezbollah and Israeli forces began in October 2023 and escalated into a full-scale war by September 2024, resulting in over 4,000 deaths and 17,000 injuries.
A ceasefire was established in November, but Israel has continued daily attacks in southern Lebanon, claiming they target Hezbollah activities.
Although Israel was expected to fully withdraw from southern Lebanon earlier this year, it still maintains a military presence at five border bases.
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