On Monday, Jan 13, 2025, the UN Security Council reiterated its strong support for Lebanon’s power and territorial integrity and urged its leaders to move quickly to form a government. After Joseph Aoun was elected president last week, Nawaf Salam was named as prime minister. The council praised Aoun’s election victory and said it was a significant step in ending Lebanon’s protracted political crisis. Since his predecessor’s tenure ended in October 2022, the president has been without a successor due to political factions’ inability to reach a consensus.
Political stability in Lebanon
The Council also praised Salam’s appointment as prime minister-designate. It emphasized that the next crucial step in ensuring Lebanon’s stability and resilience in the face of persistent regional and domestic difficulties is still creating a government. According to council members, “The election of a new president is an important, long-awaited, and critical step to overcome Lebanon’s political and institutional crisis.” They emphasized how crucial it is to help Lebanon to address its many domestic and regional challenges.
All political groups in Lebanon were urged by the Council to operate with renewed unity and resolve to quickly establish a government. Members also emphasized the significance of maintaining international assistance for Lebanon during this crucial time and recognized the contribution of the international community in establishing the circumstances that made Aoun’s election possible. The council expressed worry about violations of the cessation-of-hostilities agreement between Israel and Lebanon while discussing the nation’s security conditions.
Hezbollah was forced to immediately disarm in Southern Lebanon as part of the ceasefire agreement reached on November 27 to end the conflict. Israel was also given sixty days to remove its soldiers from the region and turn it over to the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers.
Objectives of the UN Security Council
Israel is accused by Lebanon of consistently breaking the pact. It complained to the Security Council this month that Israel had carried out approximately 816 “ground and air attacks” between the ceasefire’s inception and December 22, 2024. It also said the strikes have made it more difficult for the Lebanese army to deploy in the south and fulfill its end of the ceasefire agreement. Israel has brought up the matter with the Security Council and has often accused Hezbollah of violating the deal. Hezbollah terrorists are allegedly planning and firing rockets at northern Israel, attempting to strike Israeli soldiers, and transporting weaponry, according to the accusations.
In addition to praising the ceasefire as a major step toward regional stabilization, the council urged all parties to abide by the agreement’s conditions, which are intended to reduce tensions along the Israeli-Lebanese border. “Violations reported after Nov. 27 are concerning,” the council stated. “Under their mandates, the Security Council urges all parties to stop any additional violations and fully implement the cessation of hostilities, with assistance from the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon.”
The council reaffirmed its unwavering support for UNIFIL, highlighting the force’s vital role in preserving regional stability and supporting Lebanon’s peacekeeping missions. Noting that peacekeepers and their facilities must never be targeted, council members urged all parties to preserve the safety and freedom of movement of UNIFIL personnel.
Challenges for government formation
Additionally, the Council urged the world community to keep supporting Lebanon financially and humanitarianly. Support for displaced people, funding for reconstruction projects, assistance in fortifying state institutions, and encouraging the repatriation of displaced Lebanese citizens to their homes under government control are all included in this.
The Council stated that to support long-term stability and aid in the reconstruction of its institutions, Lebanon needs ongoing foreign assistance. It further stated that attempts to fortify the Lebanese Armed Forces and assist in establishing a durable ceasefire should be part of this assistance. As Lebanon struggles with the fallout from a string of crises, including political instability, economic collapse, and ongoing difficulties brought on by simmering regional tensions, the Security Council has called for international participation.
The Council reiterated its commitment to fully implementing earlier resolutions on Lebanon that have been enacted over the past 20 years. These resolutions cover topics including promoting political independence, establishing Lebanese sovereignty, and disarming militias. According to the council, these decisions are still essential to the long-term peace and stability of Lebanon. It further stated, “The Security Council reiterates that maintaining Lebanon’s stability is crucial for both Lebanon and regional security.”
