What stands behind Lebanon's desire to preserve UNIFIL's presence?

The Lebanese government is working to preserve UNIFIL's presence in southern Lebanon, despite the decision to end the force's mandate at the end of 2026. The Arab League chairman has joined this position. The article raises possible explanations for the Lebanese insistence, including the difficulty of the Lebanese army to take control of the area and a tacit connection between UNIFIL and Hezbollah.

The Lebanese government, led by President Joseph Aoun, is working to preserve the presence of UNIFIL forces in southern Lebanon, despite the decision to end their mandate at the end of 2026. The Arab League chairman has joined this position, stating that the continued presence of the force under the UN umbrella is the best option. The article argues that UNIFIL has not fulfilled its mission to prevent confrontations with Israel during its 48 years of operation, and that it has effectively served as a buffer for the Lebanese side. Several possible explanations for the Lebanese insistence are raised: the difficulty of the Lebanese army to take control of the area, a desire to serve as a "game changer" against IDF superiority, and a tacit connection with Hezbollah. The article cites a 2024 Wall Street Journal article that called UNIFIL "Hezbollah's best friends."