Overview
- The Council renewed UNIFIL’s mandate through 31 December 2026 and ordered a phased drawdown starting then to conclude within 12 months.
- The resolution urges Israel to withdraw north of the Blue Line, including five positions on Lebanese territory where forces remain and strikes have continued.
- Beirut has pledged to dismantle Hezbollah’s military infrastructure by year-end, with Lebanese army operations ongoing and deadly incidents reported, including two troops killed Thursday when a downed Israeli drone exploded.
- UNIFIL says it has found 318 weapons caches since November 2024, and French peacekeepers this week uncovered a bunker near El-Méri holding a 152 mm artillery piece and 39 shells.
- The timeline reflects U.S. and Israeli pressure for an exit, a French-led compromise to avoid a security vacuum, and a welcome from Prime Minister Nawaf Salam for the final extension through 2026.