The Security Council on Thursday renewed the mandate of UNIFIL (Lebanon's interim UN force), in the version Israel fought for, which preserves the freedom of action to act without notice or coordination with the Lebanese government.
By a majority of 13 member states, the decision to extend the mandate was approved. The main achievement is that the Mandate preserves the freedom of action and independence of UNIFIL, despite the opposition of the Lebanese government and a long campaign over the past year in an attempt to undermine the force's authority and independence. The new version of the mandate states that UNIFIL will be able to move independently without coordination and without prior notice in order to monitor events in southern Lebanon and implement Resolution 1701.
The resolution also expresses the Security Council's concern about the military compounds built along the Blue Line under the guise of Green Without Borders. After the vote, the Lebanese representative criticized the resolution and the adopted wording.
Erdan: I will continue to demand that the Security Council condemn Hezbollah // Photo: Ambassador Spokesperson's Office
Israel's ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, said: "I welcome the Security Council decision to renew the mandate of UNIFIL and to emphasize in the resolution its independence and ability to conduct patrols and inspections without dependence or coordination with Lebanon or any other entity. I will continue to demand that the Security Council condemn Hezbollah and demand that the Lebanese government act against its military buildup, which could lead to a serious escalation in the region."
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