Published: June 1, 2026 • 9:26 PM IST · Updated: June 2, 2026 • 3:27 AM ISTBy TheBriefWire Editorial Team
Key points
Israel has pushed past the Litani River, with the UNFIL peacekeeping force helpless in preventing an invasion.
Beirut, Lebanon – The mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) ends on December 31, 2026, bringing to an end its 48-year peacekeeping role.
This week, Israel advanced deeper into Lebanese territory than at any point since it ended a nearly two-decade occupation of the country’s south in 2000. The UN body’s inability to prevent the invasion has led to questions about UNIFIL’s mandate and its effectiveness in keeping the peace.
UNIFIL has been attacked by both Israeli and Lebanese actors for various perceived failures.
The Israelis often criticise the UN force for failing to disarm Hezbollah or other nonstate armed actors, although Resolution 1701 – the UN mandate for the body in Lebanon – does not stipulate this.