Extension of UNIFIL’s Mandate Opens New Chapter for Lebanon, Middle East (Bendjama)
Algeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amar Bendjama, stated that the Security Council’s decision to extend the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) paves the way for a new chapter for both Lebanon and the Middle East. He emphasized that without an end to the occupation of Arab territories by the Zionist entity, peace and stability in the region will remain elusive.
Following the Security Council’s adoption of Resolution 2790, which extends UNIFIL’s mandate until December 31, 2026, Bendjama noted that this decision “opens a new chapter for Lebanon and for the Middle East.” He added that its implementation “must be holistic, not selective, addressing all obligations, including those Israel continues to ignore.”
The Algerian diplomat also underscored the necessity for the Security Council to remain prepared to reassess this decision in light of future developments, depending on the situation on the ground and the options presented by the UN Secretary-General.
In this context, he affirmed that Algeria “firmly believes that Security Council resolutions concerning peace missions must be guided by the will and the consent of the host country and grounded in realities on the ground.”
During his remarks, Bendjama discussed the role and responsibilities assigned to UNIFIL, clarifying that this mission “remains indispensable to stability in Lebanon and in the region, and It has played a key role in de-escalating tensions, preventing miscalculations, and supporting the cessation of hostilities, thus contributing to regional stability.”
He further noted that its role has also been “instrumental to enabling the deployment of the Lebanese armed forces in the south,” commending the ” commitment of the Lebanese authorities to uphold their obligations and to exercise sovereignty over their entire country.”
The Permanent Representative of Algeria to the UN reminded attendees that UNIFIL, established in 1978, was tasked with monitoring and verifying the Zionist entity’s withdrawal from Lebanon, restoring international peace and security, and assisting the Lebanese Government in extending its authority across the national territory—objectives that remain central to its mandate.
When questioned about whether UNIFIL had fully fulfilled its mandate, Bendjama replied, ” Clearly, that the answer is no, as Lebanese lands remain under Israeli occupation,” urging the international community to continue its support for Lebanon to achieve stability and prosperity.
“Without ending Israel’s occupation of Arab lands, peace and stability in the region will remain elusive,” he warned, stressing that Israel has yet to respect its commitments under Resolution 1701 and the cessation of hostilities arrangements.
