The suspense is over. After months of pressure, uncertainty and rumors, the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), set to expire Aug. 31, has been renewed for 14 months with no change to its mission. The force is now expected to leave Lebanon by Dec. 31, 2027 — 49 years after its creation under U.N. Security Council Resolution 425.The decision, adopted Thursday by the Security Council on a French proposal, came as a relief to Lebanese authorities. It also marked a diplomatic win for France, which was the only nation firmly committed to extending UNIFIL’s mandate despite reservations — and even opposition — from the United States and Israel.A European diplomatic source said France was motivated by the arrival of a new Lebanese government determined to reassert state authority, particularly in the south. Paris...
The suspense is over. After months of pressure, uncertainty and rumors, the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), set to expire Aug. 31, has been renewed for 14 months with no change to its mission. The force is now expected to leave Lebanon by Dec. 31, 2027 — 49 years after its creation under U.N. Security Council Resolution 425.The decision, adopted Thursday by the Security Council on a French proposal, came as a relief to Lebanese authorities. It also marked a diplomatic win for France, which was the only nation firmly committed to extending UNIFIL’s mandate despite reservations — and even opposition — from the United States and Israel.A European diplomatic source said France was motivated by the arrival of a new Lebanese government determined to reassert state authority, particularly in the south....
Rubio condemns Iran's 'outrageous' attacks on Kuwait
