The United Nations Security Council today extended the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) for another year, after adopting Resolution 2650 (2022). At the request of the Lebanese government According to the United Nations Information Center, the Security Council unanimously voted by its 15 members on the draft resolution (S/2022/654), and the new resolution reaffirms the mandate of UNIFIL. In Resolution 2650, the Security Council requests the Lebanese Armed Forces and the Secretary-General of the United Nations to define specific criteria and timetables for the effective and permanent deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces in southern Lebanon and in the country's territorial waters. The Council strongly encouraged the Government of Lebanon to expedite the deployment of a model regiment of the Lebanese Armed Forces to the area of ​​operations, which would support the mission's long-term objective of eventually handing over all its tasks and responsibilities to the Lebanese authorities. The Board reiterated that UNIFIL does not need prior authorization or permission from anyone to carry out its mandated tasks, and that it is allowed to conduct its operations independently. It calls on the parties to ensure the freedom of movement of UNIFIL, including allowing the conduct of declared and undeclared patrols. UNIFIL was established in 1978, its mandate was expanded in Resolution 1701 (2006) after the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah and its mandate is renewed on an annual basis at the request of the Government of Lebanon. The Mission assists the Government of Lebanon (upon its request) in securing the borders and other entry points to prevent the unauthorized entry of weapons or related materials. UNIFIL currently has more than 10,000 military peacekeepers from 48 troop-contributing countries, in addition to around 800 civilian staff.

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