Israeli 'presence' obstructs LAF redeployment in South Lebanon: UNIFIL
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UNIFIL reports continued Israeli violations of resolution 1701, hindering Lebanese Army redeployment in South Lebanon.
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A French UN peacekeeper looks through binoculars while standing on a hill overlooking Kfar Kila, southern Lebanon, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025 (AP)
The UN's peacekeeping force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has outlined the complex and stalled security situation in Lebanon under continued violations of Resolution 1701.
In a post on X, the UNIFIL said its forces are patrolling and reporting repeated violations of resolution 1701 across South Lebanon, its area of deployment.
Peacekeepers patrol and report violations of resolution 1701. At the same time, we support @LebarmyOfficial in implementing their own tasks under the resolution, and in redeploying to the south. But while Israeli forces remain in Lebanon, full army redeployment can't be achieved. pic.twitter.com/JL9MVB4eoD
— UNIFIL (@UNIFIL_) September 29, 2025
The peacekeeping force added that it remains committed to its support for the Lebanese Army to redeploy in South Lebanon, pointing out that while "Israeli forces remain in Lebanon, full army redeployment can't be achieved."
This statement by the UNIFIL echoes many previous statements, highlighting the continuous violations "Israel" is committing.
In a May 12 statement on X, UNIFIL confirmed its support has enabled the Lebanese Armed Forces to redeploy to over 120 positions south of the Litani River since November 2024, while stressing that "Israel's" continued occupation of Lebanese territory prevents a full army deployment.
In a May 7 interview for Asharq Al-Awsat, UNIFIL Chief Lt. Gen. Aroldo Lazaro described the stability in Lebanon as fragile, noting that "Israel's" continued military activities have blocked the full deployment of the Lebanese army and delayed the return of thousands of displaced civilians.
Following a unanimous vote by the United Nations Security Council on August 28 to extend the mandate of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) until the end of 2026, the mission is set to commence a year-long orderly and safe drawdown and withdrawal.
Established in 1978, the UNIFIL has long patrolled Lebanon's southern border with the occupied Palestinian territories, serving as a buffer force in an area long afflicted with repeated violations, tensions, and confrontations.
