📰 2 sources 6 articles · 18 Oct 2026, 15:05 → 26 days ago

Berri upholds UNIFIL presence and warns of vacuum as its mandate nears end

Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri received French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot and Minister Delegate to the Minister for the Armed Forces Alice Rufo at Ain al-Tineh. Berri affirmed Lebanon's official and popular commitment to UNIFIL and to Resolution 1701, warned of a vacuum as the force's mandate ends on December 31, 2026, and called for French, European, international and regional roles.

📍 Where things stand: The latest available development is Berri's statements during the Ain al-Tineh meeting, amid discussion over extending UNIFIL or continuing its tasks before its mandate ends on December 31, 2026.

⏱️ Timeline

18 Oct 2026, 15:05 Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri affirmed that official Lebanon and all Lebanese are committed to the continued presence of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in the south.
18 Oct 2026, 15:08 Berri said that Lebanese are looking to a French, European, international and regional role to avoid the vacuum that could result from the end of UNIFIL's mandate.
18 Oct 2026, 15:15 Reports said Berri sent a message to France and the international community before the end of UNIFIL's mission, with no available details on its content.
18 Oct 2026, 15:15 During his reception of French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, Berri said Lebanon has been and remains committed to Resolution 1701 while Israel continues to violate it and occupy areas of the south.
18 Oct 2026, 15:23 At the Second Presidency headquarters in Ain al-Tineh, Berri received French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot and Minister Delegate to the Minister for the Armed Forces Alice Rufo. He stressed Lebanon's official and popular commitment to UNIFIL's presence and warned of a vacuum that could arise when the international force's mission ends before full implementation of Resolution 1701.
18 Oct 2026, 17:31 Anadolu Agency reported that Berri, during his reception of Barrot at Ain al-Tineh in Beirut, called for a French, European, international and regional role to avoid a security vacuum as UNIFIL's mandate approaches its end on December 31, 2026. He accused Israel of violating Resolution 1701, amid discussion over extending UNIFIL or continuing its tasks.