U.S. May Back Controversial U.N. Draft Resolution That Critics Say Could Empower Hezbollah
There’s a growing storm brewing at the United Nations as the U.S. appears poised to allow a contentious draft resolution to pass—one that many experts and critics argue would ultimately strengthen Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group and terror organization operating in Lebanon.
At the heart of the issue is the upcoming renewal of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)’s mandate, set to expire at the end of August. A French-drafted text, obtained exclusively by Fox News Digital, proposes extending the mission for another year without setting a clear end date. While the resolution frames its goal as ensuring "the Lebanese government [is] the sole provider of security in southern Lebanon," that’s where the controversy heats up.
What the Draft Resolution Says — And Why It Raises Eyebrows
The draft praises the cessation of hostilities agreement between Israel and Lebanon, reached on November 26, 2024, calling it a “critical step” toward fully implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which was established after the 2006 Second Lebanon War. However, it also sharply criticizes Israel’s military actions against Hezbollah fighters near its border, specifically pointing out airstrikes and drone attacks on Lebanese soil. The resolution urges Israel to honor the ceasefire fully, in cooperation with UNIFIL and the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon.
But here’s a major kicker: The resolution calls on Israel to withdraw from its remaining five military positions inside Lebanon, which Israel insists are crucial for keeping Hezbollah’s cross-border attacks in check. If approved, those posts would then be manned solely by Lebanese forces with UNIFIL’s support—a prospect that worries many given Hezbollah’s infiltration of Lebanon’s security apparatus.
The Challenge of Hezbollah’s Influence in Southern Lebanon
One of the resolution’s stated objectives is to clear southern Lebanon of unauthorized armed groups—primarily Hezbollah militants. It encourages the international community to bolster the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) to guarantee there are no armed factions operating between the Blue Line (the Israel-Lebanon border) and the Litani River.
But here’s the catch: Since the passage of Resolution 1701 nearly two decades ago, Hezbollah’s presence in southern Lebanon hasn’t diminished. Instead, the group has grown stronger, establishing extensive networks and weapon stockpiles, often outmaneuvering UNIFIL’s limited oversight.
In fact, Israel has uncovered a complex system of tunnels under Lebanon’s territory, eerily similar to the ones Hamas used in Gaza during the 2023 war. This has raised alarms that Hezbollah could leverage these underground passages for attacks. The terror group’s alliance with Hamas was on full display when it quickly joined the October 7, 2024, attacks on Israel, underscoring its continued threat.
Why Critics Say UNIFIL Has Failed — And Why the U.S. Should Veto
The UNIFIL mission was first established in 1978 during Lebanon’s civil war, with the goal of stabilizing the country and preventing conflict spillover. But decades later, its effectiveness is in serious doubt.
Yoni Tobin, a senior policy analyst at the Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA), has been vocal about the need for the U.S. to veto the draft resolution renewing UNIFIL’s mandate. In an op-ed for the Algemeiner, Tobin argued that UNIFIL has consistently failed to accomplish its core mission, especially when it comes to stopping Hezbollah’s weapons buildup.
He said, “UNIFIL was created to stabilize Lebanon, but it has failed to stop Hezbollah from arming itself despite having the mandate to do so.”
The mission’s shortcomings have not gone unnoticed by other experts either. David Friedman, who served as the U.S. ambassador to Israel under President Trump, called UNIFIL “one of the most spectacular failures of the United Nations in the Middle East.” In a June interview with Fox News Digital, Friedman said the mission simply watched “as Hezbollah became the largest non-state terrorist and military organization in the world.”
He emphasized that real stability in Lebanon is unlikely to come through UNIFIL, especially after Israel’s recent decapitation of Hezbollah’s leadership.
Ongoing Concerns About Lebanon’s Military and Hezbollah Ties
One of the thorniest problems is the infiltration of Hezbollah sympathizers and operatives within Lebanon’s own army. Reports have surfaced suggesting some Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) officers actively assist Hezbollah. For example, in late January, Suhil Bahij Gharb—who heads military intelligence for southern Lebanon—allegedly leaked classified documents from a facility jointly operated by the U.S., France, and UNIFIL to Hezbollah.
This raises serious questions about Lebanon’s ability to act as an impartial enforcer of its own borders and territories, especially when it comes to countering Hezbollah’s presence.
What’s Next? The U.S. Position Remains Unclear
At the moment, it’s still uncertain how the U.S. will officially vote on this draft resolution. Sources say the Biden administration could push for revisions to the French-authored text or possibly veto it outright, but no official comment has been released.
Meanwhile, Fox News Digital reached out to the U.S. mission, as well as the Israeli and French U.N. missions, but none responded.
Why This Matters — Key Takeaways
-
UNIFIL’s Mandate Renewal Could Strengthen Hezbollah: Critics warn that the resolution essentially props up a mission that has repeatedly failed to prevent Hezbollah’s military growth.
-
Israel’s Security Positions at Risk: The draft asks Israel to withdraw from strategic posts inside Lebanon, which it claims are necessary for border security.
-
Lebanese Armed Forces’ Compromised Role: The LAF’s ties to Hezbollah undermine its ability to control armed factions in southern Lebanon.
-
Tunnels and Weapons Stockpiles: Hezbollah’s tunnels and arsenal pose a significant threat, reminiscent of Hamas’s operations.
-
U.S. Has a Critical Role: As a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, the U.S. can veto the draft or demand changes, potentially altering the future balance of power in the region.
The Broader Context: Hezbollah’s Expanding Power and Regional Instability
Since the Second Lebanon War in 2006, Hezbollah has not only rebuilt but expanded its military capabilities significantly. The group now wields an estimated arsenal of over 100,000 rockets and missiles and maintains a complex intelligence and military network across Lebanon.
Their role in the recent Hamas-Israel conflict further cements their position as a regional threat, backed by Iran. This relationship complicates efforts to stabilize Lebanon or broker peace on the Israel-Lebanon border.
What Would Real Success Look Like?
The ideal outcome for the U.N. and the international community would be a Lebanon fully controlled by its government, with no unauthorized armed groups undermining sovereignty or regional peace. UNIFIL’s original mission envisioned a demilitarized southern Lebanon, secured by the Lebanese Armed Forces, and with Hezbollah disarmed.
But reality has been starkly different.
In Summary
As the U.N. Security Council debates the future of UNIFIL, the stakes are high. Supporting a resolution that may inadvertently bolster Hezbollah risks fueling further instability, while rejecting it outright carries its own diplomatic complications. The U.S. must weigh these challenges carefully, knowing that its next move could have far-reaching consequences for peace and security in the Middle East.
Login