UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon visits Israel

The United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, began a visit to Israel on Sunday, where she is scheduled to meet with senior officials in the country as part of efforts to "enhance security and stability along the Blue Line" between Israel and Lebanon, while tensions persist in the region, according to a statement from the international organization.

The discussions will primarily focus on the cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, which came into effect on Nov. 27, 2024, as well as on the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, adopted in 2006 to end a previous war between Israel and Hezbollah.

Hennis-Plasschaert reiterated the importance of "not allowing a new status quo to take hold" which could "undermine peace efforts," the statement added.

This visit comes as Israel still occupies several positions in southern Lebanon from which it was supposed to have withdrawn on Feb. 18, according to updated terms of the cease-fire agreement. Israel, which has been responsible for several attacks and incidents since Nov. 27, launched a wave of 15 strikes on Friday night.