Published: August 17, 2025 | 14:30

The Trump administration is pressing to end the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, a move that has drawn sharp opposition from key European allies. The dispute has reopened long-standing transatlantic tensions, particularly with France, Britain, and Italy, and raised concerns about stability in southern Lebanon and the wider Middle East.

Why UNIFIL Matters

The U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was first deployed in 1978 after Israel’s invasion of southern Lebanon. Its role expanded in 2006 following the war between Israel and Hezbollah. Today, about 10,000 peacekeepers patrol the southern border alongside roughly 6,000 Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) soldiers.

UNIFIL’s mandate is set to expire at the end of August, pending renewal by the U.N. Security Council. Supporters view the mission as a stabilizing force, but the Trump administration argues it is ineffective, costly, and unable to curb Hezbollah’s growing military presence.

Washington Pushes for a Phase-Out

U.S. officials say the administration is pushing to wind down UNIFIL within six months. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently approved a plan to cut American financial contributions and reduce the mission’s size.

Officials describe UNIFIL as “a waste of resources” that delays efforts to empower Lebanon’s army to secure the border on its own. The plan reflects the administration’s broader strategy of reducing U.S. spending on international missions and challenging the role of multilateral institutions.

European Allies Push Back

France and Italy, two of UNIFIL’s largest troop contributors, strongly oppose a rapid withdrawal. Diplomats warn that ending the mission too quickly could create a power vacuum, which Hezbollah would likely exploit.

A senior French official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Lebanon’s army is still too weak to manage the border alone. France also cited the U.N. withdrawal from Mali as a cautionary example, where Islamist militants gained ground after peacekeepers left.

France has proposed a one-year extension of UNIFIL’s mandate without a fixed withdrawal deadline. U.S. officials, however, want a clear timetable, setting the stage for tough negotiations at the Security Council.

Israel’s Divided View

Israel has long criticized UNIFIL for failing to stop Hezbollah’s weapons buildup. In recent years, Israeli forces discovered cross-border tunnels and hidden weapons near UNIFIL patrol areas.

“UNIFIL has been damaging with regard to disarming Hezbollah,” said Sarit Zehavi, a former Israeli military intelligence analyst. Still, Israel has reluctantly supported a temporary extension, fearing greater instability if the mission ends abruptly.

Lebanon Urges Continued Support

Lebanon has called on the international community to maintain the mission. Officials argue their army is overstretched and cannot fully secure the border without U.N. backing.

“UNIFIL may not fulfill 100% of what Western powers or Israel expect. But for Lebanon, their presence is important,” said retired Lebanese Army Gen. Khalil Helou.

The United Nations also supports the mission. Spokesman Stephane Dujarric confirmed that peacekeepers continue to uncover unauthorized weapons, such as rocket launchers and mortar rounds, which are reported to the Lebanese army.

Searching for Compromise

Diplomats are exploring a middle ground, such as reducing the size of the force while upgrading its surveillance technology to monitor southern Lebanon more efficiently. This approach could cut costs while maintaining oversight in a tense border region.

“UNIFIL exists to help both parties implement its mandate, and the final decision lies with the Security Council,” said UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti.

A Transatlantic Divide

As the August deadline approaches, the dispute highlights broader differences between Washington and its European allies. While the U.S. pushes for scaling back international peacekeeping, Europe remains committed to U.N. missions as essential stabilizing tools in fragile regions.

Source: AP News – The Trump administration wants to end the UN peacekeeping in Lebanon. Europe is pushing back

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On Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that a deal has been reached to release hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. This announcement came after earlier reports of last-minute issues in finalizing a ceasefire agreement that would pause over 15 months of ongoing conflict.

Deal Details: Hostage Release and Gaza Ceasefire

Netanyahu revealed that the ceasefire deal, which would halt fighting in Gaza, involves the release of hostages held by Hamas. In exchange, Palestinian prisoners in Israel would be freed. The agreement also includes provisions for the return of hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians to the remnants of their homes in Gaza. The Israeli Prime Minister plans to convene a meeting of his security Cabinet on Friday to approve the deal.

Hamas’ Alleged Last-Minute Demands and Israeli Resistance

Earlier on Thursday, Israeli officials had delayed the vote on the ceasefire due to a dispute with Hamas over the terms. Netanyahu’s office accused Hamas of reneging on part of the agreement, aiming to secure more concessions. According to Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer, Hamas’ demands centered on Israeli military presence in the Philadelphi Corridor, a narrow strip along the Egyptian border seized by Israel in May.

However, Hamas rejected these claims. Senior Hamas official Izzat al-Rishq affirmed the group’s commitment to the ceasefire, as announced by the mediators.

The ceasefire proposal has met strong opposition within Netanyahu’s far-right coalition. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir threatened to resign if the agreement is approved, calling it reckless and destructive for Israel. Ben-Gvir’s departure would significantly weaken Netanyahu’s coalition, reducing the majority in the Israeli Knesset from 68 to 62 seats.

Egypt Urges Immediate Ceasefire Implementation

Egypt, a longstanding mediator in Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations, has urged both Israel and Hamas to immediately implement the ceasefire. Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty emphasized the need for prompt action to end the conflict and prevent further escalation.

A Devastating Toll on Gaza and Rising Tensions

On Thursday, Israeli airstrikes claimed at least 72 lives in Gaza. This continued bombardment came despite the announcement of a ceasefire deal, with many Palestinians in Gaza fearing the worst. The Israeli military confirmed it had targeted militant sites, including weapons storage and rocket-launching locations.

As the ceasefire talks progressed, there was widespread anxiety across Gaza. Residents called for an end to the destruction and urged Hamas to engage with mediators to halt the war.

The Ceasefire Deal: Phased Hostage Release and Military Withdrawal

The deal, which aims to release 33 of the 100 hostages still held by Hamas, sets the stage for a phased approach to peace. The first phase would see hostages freed in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, while Israeli forces would begin a gradual pullback from Gaza. The second, more difficult phase, involves the release of male soldiers, contingent upon a more permanent ceasefire agreement and an Israeli military withdrawal.

Hamas has demanded full Israeli withdrawal as a condition for releasing the remaining hostages. In contrast, Israel insists that its military operations will continue until Hamas is dismantled.

The Future of Gaza and International Criticism

The longer-term future of Gaza remains uncertain. As international pressure mounts over the humanitarian toll, questions remain about who will oversee Gaza’s reconstruction and future governance.

Israel continues to face criticism for the large number of civilian casualties in Gaza, with accusations of targeting non-military sites. In response, Israel blames Hamas for using civilian infrastructure for military purposes.

Meanwhile, Hamas, despite suffering heavy losses and losing key leaders, has regrouped in some of Gaza’s hardest-hit areas, raising concerns about a prolonged insurgency if the conflict continues.

Conclusion

While the ceasefire and hostage release deal offers hope for a pause in the fighting, it is far from certain whether it will hold. The situation remains volatile, with significant political divisions within Israel and ongoing challenges in Gaza. The international community continues to call for swift action to end the violence, but much remains unresolved.

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DAMASCUS, Dec 8 (Reuters) – Syrian rebel forces stormed into Damascus on Sunday, toppling President Bashar al-Assad and abruptly ending nearly 60 years of his family’s authoritarian rule. The lightning-fast advance marked a dramatic reversal in Syria’s 13-year-long civil war and redefined the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.

This seismic event dismantled a cornerstone of Russian and Iranian influence in the Arab world. Assad and his family reportedly sought asylum in Russia, while his sudden fall disrupted Iran’s weapons supply routes and jeopardized Moscow’s Mediterranean naval base. The victory could also herald the return of millions of refugees who have spent years in camps across Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan.

For Syrians, the end of the conflict brought a wave of relief after years of unimaginable suffering—hundreds of thousands killed, cities obliterated, and an economy crippled by sanctions. Rebel leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani, addressing jubilant crowds at Damascus’s historic Umayyad Mosque, declared, “A new history is being written in the entire region.”

A Police State Crumbles Overnight

Assad’s regime, infamous for its brutal political prisons and repression, disintegrated in a matter of hours. Freed prisoners, many jailed for years, streamed through the streets of Damascus, rejoicing and recounting their ordeals. Families reunited in tearful celebrations, while chants of “We toppled the regime!” echoed across the city.

The capital’s streets bore striking signs of change. Assad’s images were torn down, checkpoints abandoned, and looters raided government facilities. Columns of smoke rose from areas previously targeted by Israeli airstrikes. Despite the uncertainty, residents celebrated their newfound freedom with gunfire and chants of “Freedom” in the city’s main square.

New Leadership and Challenges Ahead

Rebel leaders, once aligned with extremist factions but now striving for broader appeal, pledged a transitional government to rebuild Syria. Golani, whose coalition evolved from Syria’s former al-Qaeda branch, assured the nation there would be no turning back, declaring, “The future is ours.”

Amidst these celebrations, world leaders reacted cautiously. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu credited Israel’s recent military campaigns against Iranian and Hezbollah forces for Assad’s downfall. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron praised the end of Assad’s “barbaric” regime, while calling for global support to aid Syria’s recovery.

Aftershocks Across the Region

The swift fall of Assad stunned neighboring countries and global powers alike, raising concerns over potential instability. The Syrian rebel victory follows years of intense regional conflict, including the recent Gaza war. Jubilant crowds stormed Syrian embassies worldwide, replacing Assad-era flags with those of the revolution.

The aftermath also spells significant losses for Assad’s allies, Iran and Russia, who had propped up his regime for years. With Moscow preoccupied by the Ukraine war and Iran weakened by setbacks in Gaza and Hezbollah’s retreat, the Syrian government found itself isolated in its final moments.

Rebuilding Syria

As Syria transitions into a new chapter, its challenges are immense. The nation requires billions of dollars in aid to rebuild infrastructure devastated during the civil war. The refugee crisis, one of the largest in modern history, has left deep scars both within Syria and abroad.

Despite these hurdles, optimism runs high among Syrians, who now envision a future free from tyranny. The coming months will test whether this newfound unity can forge a stable and inclusive Syria. As rebel forces consolidate power, the nation’s journey toward healing and reconstruction begins.

“The sacrifices of the Syrian people demand a future of peace, justice, and prosperity,” declared the rebel coalition, signaling the start of a monumental rebuilding effort.

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The recent surge in Syrian rebel activity, led by Islamist forces, poses significant challenges to President Bashar al-Assad’s regime and has broad implications for the Middle East’s geopolitical balance. Key players—including Arab states, Iran, Israel, Russia, and Turkey—are reassessing their strategies as the conflict takes a dramatic turn.

The Rebellion’s Rapid Gains

In a swift offensive, rebels captured Aleppo and Hama, with ambitions to advance further south to Homs, edging closer to Damascus. The rebellion, spearheaded by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has intensified calls for Assad’s removal. Rebel leader Abu Mohammad al-Jolani stated their aim: overthrowing the Assad regime by any means necessary.

Arab States: Shifting Alliances

The rebel advances test the commitment of Gulf Arab nations like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which have pivoted from isolating Assad to supporting his regime. These states initially backed opposition forces during the Syrian civil war, seeing Assad’s downfall as a way to curb Iranian influence. However, Assad’s survival, aided by Russia and Iran, has led to his regional rehabilitation. Now, these nations are cautious, prioritizing stability over regime change.

Iran: A Vulnerable Axis

For Iran, Syria has been a cornerstone of its regional influence. Tehran’s military support, through the IRGC and Hezbollah, has been crucial for Assad. However, the rebellion’s momentum exposes Iran’s vulnerabilities, especially as Hezbollah redirects resources to the conflict with Israel. The loss of Syrian territory could disrupt Iranian supply routes to proxies and weaken its strategic position, forcing Tehran into a delicate balancing act between defending its interests and pursuing diplomacy with the West.

Israel: Navigating Threats

Israel finds itself in a complex situation. While Assad’s regime has allowed Iranian military presence in Syria, it hasn’t directly threatened Israel. The current rebellion, however, led by Islamist groups like HTS, presents new risks. Israel must ensure the rebellion doesn’t empower hostile forces while continuing to target Iranian assets in Syria. For now, Israel benefits from Iran and its proxies being weakened, but the long-term implications remain uncertain.

Russia: Stretched Thin

Russia’s intervention in 2015 was pivotal in stabilizing Assad’s rule. Yet, the ongoing rebellion challenges Moscow’s ability to maintain its influence in Syria, especially as its focus shifts to the war in Ukraine. While Russian airstrikes have ramped up against rebel positions, the rapid rebel advances highlight the limits of Moscow’s capacity to mobilize resources effectively in Syria.

Turkey: Strategic Maneuvering

Turkey, the primary backer of the Syrian National Army, plays a dual role—supporting opposition forces while exploring a potential rapprochement with Assad. President Erdogan seeks to position Turkey advantageously, aiming for significant concessions from Assad in future negotiations. Another priority for Turkey is addressing its domestic challenges, including hosting 3.1 million Syrian refugees, by pushing for a buffer zone along its border and countering Kurdish insurgents.

A Region in Flux

The Syrian rebellion reshapes regional power dynamics, with key players recalibrating their approaches. For Assad’s allies, the stakes are high as they face the possibility of losing a critical foothold. Meanwhile, neighboring nations and global powers tread cautiously, balancing immediate interests with long-term stability in a volatile Middle East.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has tentatively approved a ceasefire deal with Hezbollah, according to a source familiar with the ongoing negotiations. The agreement, discussed during a security consultation with Israeli officials on Sunday night, remains contingent on resolving key details, which were expected to be relayed to the Lebanese government on Monday.

Negotiation Status

While progress has been made, Israeli officials still have reservations about parts of the proposal. These concerns, along with other details, are under negotiation. Multiple sources emphasized that the agreement will not be finalized until all outstanding issues are resolved. Approval by the Israeli cabinet, a crucial step, has not yet occurred.

Positive Momentum, Fragile Process

Negotiators remain optimistic about reaching an agreement, though tensions between Israel and Hezbollah persist. Both sides have continued exchanging fire, and sources warned that any misstep could derail the talks.

U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein, who has been mediating the negotiations, expressed optimism during his visit to Beirut last week, describing discussions as “constructive” and “very good” in narrowing gaps. He stated, “We have a real opportunity to bring conflict to an end. The window is now.” Hochstein has since traveled to Israel to finalize the discussions.

Proposed Ceasefire Terms

The U.S.-backed proposal seeks a 60-day cessation of hostilities, which some hope could pave the way for a more permanent ceasefire. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati indicated that Beirut responded positively to the proposal, and many aspects of the draft agreement have reportedly been resolved.

On Sunday, U.S. officials reportedly pressed Israel to respond favorably to the ceasefire deal. Hochstein allegedly warned the Israeli ambassador to Washington that he might withdraw from mediation efforts if progress stalls.

Conflict Background

Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have escalated since October 8 of last year, when Hezbollah launched attacks on Israeli-controlled territory in solidarity with Hamas and Palestinians in Gaza. This triggered months of cross-border skirmishes, culminating in Israel’s major military offensive in mid-September.

The offensive has included ground invasions, targeted killings of Hezbollah leaders—most notably its founder Hassan Nasrallah—and widespread destruction, injuring thousands of people. The violence underscores the urgency of achieving a ceasefire to halt further bloodshed.

Next Steps

Both sides must agree on unresolved terms for the ceasefire to proceed. The coming days are critical, as mediators work to finalize an agreement that could bring a temporary halt to hostilities and potentially lay the groundwork for lasting peace.

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An Israeli airstrike reportedly killed Salim Jamil Ayyash, a high-ranking Hezbollah operative sentenced to life by a UN-backed tribunal for his role in the 2005 assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri. Ayyash, part of Hezbollah’s Unit 151, was also involved in other attacks on Lebanese politicians in 2004 and 2005. He was one of the U.S. State Department’s most-wanted, with a $10 million reward for his capture.

• The airstrike reportedly occurred near al-Qusayr, Syria, a known Hezbollah stronghold. This incident is part of a wave of intensified Israeli airstrikes on Iranian-backed forces in Syria, escalating after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack that killed 1,200 people in Israel. In recent strikes, Israel has targeted senior Hezbollah leaders, including Hassan Nasrallah.

Israel’s operations in southern Lebanon aim to neutralize threats from Hezbollah along its northern borders. Ongoing skirmishes have led to the deaths of 40 Israeli civilians and 61 Israeli soldiers, with additional attacks reported from Iraq and Syria. Lebanon’s health ministry reports over 3,000 deaths in the conflict but hasn’t clarified how many are civilians versus combatants. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) estimate that around 3,000 Hezbollah fighters and about 100 operatives from other militant groups have been killed.

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Jerusalem, Nov 10 (Reuters) – Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on Sunday that Israel has defeated Hezbollah, describing the elimination of its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, as a significant achievement.

“Now, our focus is to maintain pressure to ensure the full benefits of this victory,” Katz stated during a ceremony at Israel’s foreign ministry.

He clarified that Israel has no intention of interfering in Lebanon’s internal politics, noting, “We’ve learned our lessons.” However, Katz expressed hope that an international coalition would leverage this opportunity for political progress and encouraged Lebanon to consider joining other nations in normalizing relations with Israel.

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