UN Security Council starts talks on fate of peacekeeping force in Lebanon

The UN Security Council is negotiating a French-drafted resolution to extend the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and signal a potential withdrawal of troops, contingent on the Lebanese Government’s control over its territory and a political arrangement among parties. The U.S. has suggested a final one-year extension, emphasizing support for the Lebanese army amid tensions with Hezbollah, which dominates southern Lebanon.