October 16, 2026
The Minister of National Defense, Major General Michel Mansi, received in his office at the Ministry of Defense in Yarzeh, today, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, accompanied by the Commander of the UNIFIL Forces, Major General Deodato Abagnaara, and the Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for the United Nations in Lebanon, Imran Riza, along with a delegation from UNIFIL.
The meeting discussed the current situation in Lebanon and field developments in the south, as well as discussing the solutions proposed for the period after the end of the missions of the United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon at the end of this year. The two sides also touched on the upcoming consultations in the UN Security Council regarding options for the continued role of the United Nations, based on the proposals of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, with an emphasis on the need to take into account the position and demands of the Lebanese state as it is the primary concern of this file and its repercussions on security and stability.
During the meeting, Lebanon’s request to extend UNIFIL’s mandate for a transitional period was discussed, and a formula was reached that would guarantee continued international support to consolidate stability in the south, enhance regional security, and help Lebanon extend its full sovereignty in coordination with the official authorities and institutions.
In this context, Major General Mansa warned of the danger of any security vacuum in the south, considering that the most appropriate option for the current stage is to extend the mandate of UNIFIL until an appropriate alternative formula is approved. He also stressed his preference for any future international mission in the south to remain under the umbrella of the United Nations to ensure the continuity of its role in maintaining security and stability.
On the other hand, the Minister of Defense held a separate meeting with former MP Atef Majdalani, during which the latest developments and general challenges facing the country were reviewed.
