Lebanon has requested that the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in the south of the country be extended beyond December 31, 2026.

Operativ Media reports that the Financial Times, citing sources, published information on this. In a letter sent to the UN Security Council, Lebanon reportedly deemed ending the mission in 2026 premature and requested that its operations be extended for a "limited period."

According to sources, France and most other members of the UN Security Council supported Lebanon's request. UNIFIL currently has more than 7,000 troops. The mission was established in 1978, and its current mandate was set by a resolution adopted in 2025.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres previously called on Israeli authorities to halt military operations in southern Lebanon, noting that civilian casualties were rising as a result of the fighting.

Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said in a statement on September 4 that Israeli troops would not withdraw from Lebanon until Hezbollah armed groups are disarmed.

Katz also commented on the Israeli military taking control of the heights in the Ali al-Tahir ridge, calling the operation an important step in disarming Hezbollah.