Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under Secretary-General for Peace Operations, recently wrote a letter to the editor of "The Wall Street Journal".

For nearly two decades, what has prevented progress hasn’t been UNIFIL's performance but the lack of political will to enforce the resolution.

When I travelled to southern Lebanon in June, I witnessed the complexity and importance of the work of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The November 2024 cessation of hostilities agreement between Hezbollah and Israel has brought relief to communities on both sides of the blue line. But fear of renewed violence lingers. Many have yet to return home.

Eugene Kontorovich writes that it’s “Time to Shut Down the Failed UN Lebanon Mission” (op-ed, Aug. 18). Yet his argument operates on the misconception that peacekeepers are deployed to impose a settlement on a crisis. UNIFIL was never mandated to disarm Hezbollah, which would have required such a charge under Chapter VII of the Charter. Resolution 1701, adopted in 2006, gave the force a different role: to assist Israel and Lebanon in implementing its provisions, including cessation of hostilities, Israeli withdrawal, extension of Lebanese state authority and disarmament of armed groups.

For nearly two decades, what has prevented progress hasn’t been UNIFIL's performance but the lack of political will to enforce the resolution. Today, that is changing. The Lebanese government has taken a courageous decision to support the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF). More than 8,000 soldiers are deployed in over 120 positions, the largest presence since 2006.

Yet challenges remain. This is precisely where UNIFIL plays an essential role: providing support and coordination so the LAF can gradually assume full control. Lebanese authorities have made clear that they still need this support until they are able to secure the south of their territory alone.

The Security Council will soon decide UNIFIL's future, and the host country deserves to be heard. Lebanon is taking its responsibilities seriously, and UNIFIL has begun to adapt, proactively supporting the Lebanese army. Both nations have stated that they are committed to implementing Resolution 1701.

Now is the time for them to move forward. The UN has a role—and it’s keen to play it well.