The United Nations Security Council has unanimously voted to extend the mandate of the UN peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon (UNIFIL) for 16 months, setting December 31, 2026, as the date for its complete withdrawal after nearly five decades of deployment, Reuters reported.

UNIFIL was first deployed in 1978 following Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon, later expanding after the 2006 Israel–Hezbollah war. Its responsibilities include monitoring ceasefires, supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces, and maintaining security in the sensitive area between the Blue Line and the Litani River.

The decision reflects a compromise between US and Israeli demands for the mission’s end—citing limited effectiveness—and France’s push to maintain its stabilizing presence as Lebanon’s army continues to build capacity. According to Reuters, the Lebanese government welcomed the extension, admitting its forces are not yet fully able to secure the country’s south independently.

Nepal plays a significant role in UNIFIL, with about 870 Nepali soldiers currently serving in southern Lebanon. Since 1978, more than 50,000 Nepali troops have taken part in the mission, and 31 have lost their lives while serving under the UN flag. Nepal remains one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping worldwide, with its personnel regarded for discipline and resilience in high-risk zones.

The final mandate signals the closing chapter of UNIFIL’s mission, which has been central to regional stability for decades, while also highlighting the enduring contributions and sacrifices of countries like Nepal in global peacekeeping.