US, “Israel” agree to end UNIFIL mandate in southern Lebanon

BEIRUT, June 08 (YPA) – The United States and “Israel” have agreed to end the mission of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which has been deployed in southern Lebanon to monitor compliance with the ceasefire agreement, “Israel Hayom” newspaper confirmed Sunday.

According to the report, the United States is seeking to reduce costs associated with maintaining the UN peacekeeping force.

The Israeli newspaper added that Israeli authorities believe existing coordination with the Lebanese Armed Forces regarding Hezbollah is sufficient and effective, eliminating the need for UNIFIL’s continued presence in the region.

The paper claimed that the UN force has “failed” to achieve Israel’s strategic objectives in Lebanon, namely preventing Hezbollah from expanding its military capabilities in the south.

A final decision on UNIFIL’s mandate is expected to be made at the UN Security Council in August.

In a clear violation of the ceasefire terms, the Israeli occupation military has reportedly conducted a partial withdrawal from southern Lebanon, while still occupying five villages it advanced into during its most recent offensive across the border.

Analysts believe the move is seen as a threat to Lebanese territory in light of the official government’s inability to protect it and Hezbollah’s commitment to the agreement.

They suggest that the expulsion of UNIFIL could ignite a confrontation between the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon and the Western- and American-backed occupation.

UNIFIL, which was established in 1978 and expanded after Israel’s war on Lebanon in 2006, currently includes more than 13,000 uniformed personnel tasked with monitoring hostilities along the Blue Line and ensuring humanitarian access.

@E.Y.M