The media learned about the possible termination of US support for the UN forces in Lebanon

The White House administration is considering a possible withdrawal of support for the UN Interim Peacekeeping Force (UNIFIL) in southern Lebanon. This was reported on June 8 by the Israeli online newspaper Times of Israel, citing American sources.

"Sources familiar with the situation said that the United States has not yet made a decision on its future support for UNIFIL, but wants to see serious reforms, which may mean ending support," the publication says.

It is noted that the mandate of these peacekeeping forces is annually extended by a resolution of the UN Security Council. Therefore, the United States may impose an alleged veto on the upcoming resolution, which is expected to be adopted in August. Israel may also support this decision, "out of a desire to join the administration of President Donald Trump," according to The Times of Israel.

They noted that discussions about continuing to support the mission may also be conditioned by the United States' attempt to reduce its costs related to operations conducted in the Middle East region.

UNIFIL has been operating in southern Lebanon since 1978. The peacekeeping forces ensured that the Israeli military left the area after the end of the conflict between the two States. The mission was expanded in the region after the end of the second Lebanon War in 2006, which involved Israel and the Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah.

On May 15, the US State Department announced the imposition of sanctions against senior Hezbollah officials, while noting that the United States plans to continue supporting Lebanon "until the Shiite movement ceases to threaten the people of Lebanon and the entire region."