New York (TDI): The United Nations Secretary-General has proposed three possible pathways to maintain international monitoring and support efforts aimed at ending the long-running conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, following the planned conclusion of the UN peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon at the end of December.
In a report submitted to the UN Security Council, Secretary-General António Guterres outlined options designed to preserve a degree of international oversight along the Israel–Lebanon border, even after the 8,100-strong UN peacekeeping force completes its mandate on December 31.
The mission, known as UNIFIL, has long played a central role in monitoring tensions in southern Lebanon, an area considered a Hezbollah stronghold. In recent months, however, six peacekeepers have been killed amid ongoing hostilities, underscoring the volatility of the situation on the ground.
Following pressure from the United States and its ally Israel, the UN Security Council voted unanimously in August 2025 to end the mission and requested the Secretary-General to present alternatives for implementing a 2006 Security Council resolution that originally brought the Israel–Hezbollah war to an end.
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That resolution calls for Hezbollah to disarm, for Israeli forces to withdraw from Lebanese territory, and for the Lebanese army to become the sole armed authority across the country. However, UN officials note that none of these conditions has been fully implemented.
In his letter to the Council, Guterres warned that repeated flare-ups between the two sides highlight the continued relevance of the 2006 framework and the urgent need for its full enforcement.
He emphasized that maintaining a UN presence along the Blue Line, the UN-demarcated boundary between Israel and Lebanon, remains “paramount” for preventing further escalation. Under all proposed scenarios, the UN would retain some form of uniformed presence to support de-escalation, coordination, and liaison between parties, while also assisting the Lebanese Armed Forces.
The Secretary-General presented three options ranging in size from approximately 1,980 to 5,525 personnel, including both armed contingents and unarmed military observers. The largest option, he noted, would provide the most comprehensive monitoring capacity along the entire border region.
All models would also rely on a strengthened UN political role through the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, who would continue efforts to advance the implementation of the 2006 resolution and support broader diplomatic engagement.
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said the Secretary-General is hopeful that the Security Council will reach a decision soon, given the continued instability along the border and the risk of further escalation.
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The proposals come at a time of persistent tension between Israel and Hezbollah, with intermittent clashes continuing despite declared ceasefire arrangements, and growing concern within the UN that the absence of a robust international monitoring mechanism could further destabilize the region.
