Lebanon: After 48 years patrolling the Blue Line, UN peacekeepers prepare exit

Speaking to UN News from Naqoura in southern Lebanon, Kandice Ardiel, spokesperson for the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), said that daily violations by Israeli forces continue to be observed across southern Lebanon. 

These include the construction of military positions and roads, military operations, demolitions, airstrikes and artillery fire. 

In addition, on Tuesday, UNIFIL reported that a routine patrol near Wadi Jilu was also fired upon. Peacekeepers returned fire and reported that the shooting stopped, with no injuries reported. The force has called for a prompt investigation from the Lebanese Government.

Latest UN data indicates that the number of internally displaced who’ve returned home has increased by 13 per cent since September, to nearly one million. Around 304,500 people remain displaced outside their areas of origin.

Painful return

“We’re seeing kids going back to school. We’re seeing farmers trying to harvest their crops, particularly olive crops. But they’re coming back to a really difficult situation,” Ms. Ardiel stressed.

She noted that many villages have suffered extensive damage, making daily life extremely challenging for returning residents.

“A lot of the essential infrastructure, including electricity networks, water systems, and roads, has been destroyed and will need to be rebuilt,” she explained.

A 48-year mandate ends

UNIFIL was established by the UN Security Council on 19 March 1978 with three primary objectives: to confirm the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon, to restore international peace and security, and to assist the Lebanese Government in re-establishing its authority in the region. 

The mission’s first peacekeepers arrived on 23 March 1978.

In August 2025, the UN Security Council unanimously voted not to renew UNIFIL’s mandate beyond the end of 2026. As a result, preparations for the mission’s withdrawal are expected to begin in January 2027.

“There’s a lot of talk and speculation about what might come next. We know the Security Council is considering options, but so far nothing has been decided. So that’s led to a lot of uncertainty. And people are, of course, concerned,” Ms. Ardiel said.

Ripple effects 

The withdrawal of UNIFIL will affect not only the mission’s personnel but also the communities of southern Lebanon, where the peacekeeping force has been an integral part of local life for decades. Beyond its security role, UNIFIL provides employment opportunities and contributes significantly to the local economy.

For staff members, the transition is expected to be particularly difficult.

“This is especially true for our national staff, who are Lebanese, many of whom have lost homes or family members because of the ongoing conflict,” Ms. Ardiel said.

Life after UNIFIL 

Ms. Ardiel describes growing concern about what lies ahead.

“There’s a great deal of nervousness now that we’re leaving in a situation where southern Lebanon remains unstable because of ongoing military activity, the continuation of the conflict, and the uncertain future that people here are anticipating,” she said.

She also emphasized the importance of maintaining an international presence in southern Lebanon. Impartial monitoring and international engagement have played a crucial role in the region over the years and will remain essential for Lebanon’s future stability, the UNIFIL spokesperson insisted.