UNIFIL and French Role Shifts in Lebanon
The article discusses the role of UNIFIL forces in southern Lebanon since their deployment following the April 1996 agreement. It explains that their main role has been monitoring the borderlines, opening communication channels between Israel and Hezbollah, defusing tensions, and preventing the escalation of conflicts. However, they have been unable to dismantle Hezbollah's military infrastructure or transfer full security control to the Lebanese state. After the 2006 war and UN Security Council Resolution 1701, challenges in implementing the resolution persisted, as evidence of Hezbollah's weapon depots and military sites remained, while the Lebanese Army's capabilities and presence remained limited. France's role shifted after the 2006 war to become more focused on managing regional balances and addressing international and regional challenges, while continuing political, economic, and strategic support for efforts to strengthen Lebanese sovereignty. Nonetheless, it has been unable to rebuild the state or fully disarm Hezbollah. As UNIFIL's mandate approaches its end in December 2026, Lebanon faces a critical test in transferring security responsibilities to the Lebanese Army, raising questions about the state's ability to assert full sovereignty in the south and maintain regional stability.
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