Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix told reporters that Lebanese officials had delivered a unanimous message: they want the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to remain in place as the mission adapts to post-hostility conditions.

Lacroix said his visit to Lebanon showed “a number of achievement that have been realized, with the support of UNIFIL,” including a stronger Lebanese Armed Forces presence south of the Litani River, efforts to identify and neutralize weapons caches and ongoing mine‑action and road‑clearing work. He said UNIFIL also plays “a critical role of liaison and deconfliction between the Lebanese Armed Forces and the Israeli Defense Forces.”

The visit coincided with the departure of Force Commander General Araldo Lassaro; Lacroix attended a farewell reception and said the Lebanese authorities and diplomatic community expressed high appreciation for Lassaro’s service. He also welcomed General Abagnara of Italy as the incoming force commander and said UN headquarters had begun close coordination with the new leadership.

Why this matters: UNIFIL’s mandate is tied to implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701, and Lacroix warned that, while progress is visible, “more needs to be done to achieve the full implementation of resolution 1701.” He said the Lebanese government sent a letter to the Security Council expressing its wish that UNIFIL remain in Lebanon.

Details from the visit included continued UNIFIL support for humanitarian and stabilization tasks and cooperation with Lebanese authorities at the highest levels, Lacroix said. He also noted violations of the cease‑fire remain and emphasized that adaptation of the mission should proceed in step with on‑the‑ground conditions.

Lacroix raised funding risks for all peacekeeping operations in the context of a broader UN liquidity shortfall. He said contingency planning is under way for missions that might not receive full cash allocations in the next budget cycle, and that such planning would be triggered only by lack of cash.

Reporting context: Lacroix answered questions from multiple reporters after his briefing. He repeatedly framed UNIFIL as a tool to support Resolution 1701 rather than an end in itself and stressed that ultimate responsibility for implementing the resolution lies with the parties.

Looking ahead: The Security Council is expected to consider UNIFIL’s mandate in upcoming deliberations; Lebanon’s formal request to the Council for continuation of the mission arrived during the period Lacroix described.