Lebanese parliament speaker warns against UNIFIL departure without replacement

Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri on Thursday warned against the exit of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNFIL) without a replacement. This came during a meeting between Berri and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, according to a statement from the speaker’s office. The two discussed developments in Lebanon and the region, including political and security developments amid Israel's continued violations of the ceasefire agreement and daily attacks on southern villages and towns, the statement said. The meeting also addressed Lebanon's relations with the EU and the bloc's potential role in supporting the country, particularly reconstruction efforts, as well as Beirut's position in favor of maintaining UNIFIL's presence in southern Lebanon. Berri warned against reaching a point where UNIFIL's mandate expires without a replacement under the UN umbrella. He said such a development would constitute “an attack on international legitimacy and its UN resolutions” and negatively affect the EU and its role. Berri stressed that “the problem remains the same: Israel’s failure to comply with its obligations under all agreements.” UNIFIL's mandate is set to expire at the end of 2026, while Lebanon insists on maintaining its presence as an element of stability in the south. UNIFIL has been deployed since 1978 under UN Security Council resolutions to monitor the cessation of hostilities and help maintain security and stability in the area. Lebanese president meets Kallas During his meeting with Kallas, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun reaffirmed his country’s commitment to negotiations with Israel. Regarding the situation in southern Lebanon, Aoun said the Lebanese army is “fully carrying out its duties” in areas where it has deployed south of the Litani River under the “framework agreement,” while Israel “continues to refrain from implementing its provisions.” Israel has continued attacks on Lebanon since March 2, killing 4,386 people and injuring 12,413, according to the latest Lebanese Health Ministry figures dated Sept. 25, 2025. On June 26, Beirut and Tel Aviv signed a US-sponsored framework agreement in Washington providing for a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory and the deployment of the Lebanese army in areas vacated by Israeli forces. Despite the agreement, Israel has continued attacks on southern Lebanon and remains in control of areas of Lebanese territory, some occupied for decades and others seized during more recent wars and military operations. Aoun also said Lebanon looks forward to signing a strategic partnership with the EU based on “deep historical and cultural ties.” He thanked Kallas for the European Council's intention to approve the deployment of a civilian-military mission to Lebanon under the EU's Common Security and Defense Policy to provide advice, training and equipment. Aoun also praised EU efforts to “avert a vacuum in the post-UNIFIL phase,” saying Lebanon is counting on European support to find an alternative arrangement. He said Beirut wants any replacement force to operate “under the UN flag.”