South Faces Impact from UNIFIL Exit
The report discusses the concerns of the residents of Ibl al-Saqi in the Marjeyoun District regarding the potential end of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)’s mission in southern Lebanon, which has been a vital part of their lives for decades. Their main worry is the loss of jobs that the presence of international forces provides, particularly for hundreds of families who rely on employment connected to UNIFIL, with approximately 35 to 40 households having members employed by the international force. Additionally, residents express their concern over a decline in the sense of security, despite their awareness that UNIFIL does not have the capacity to prevent war. They see the presence of the Lebanese Army alongside the international forces as a crucial factor in maintaining stability. Evidence of the deteriorating security situation includes reports of more than two thousand projectiles fired within a week, amid ongoing escalation of tensions. UNIFIL’s mandate is set to end in late 2026, and there is internal debate about potential alternatives, such as deploying a different international force or increasing the Lebanese Army’s presence. However, residents remain worried about how sustainable the stability of their villages will be in the absence of international forces.
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