The UN Security Council unanimously renews UNIFIL Lebanon mandate

The unanimous UN Security Council approval of UNIFIL’s mandate Wednesday night did not change its mission, despite US and Israeli criticism, but it spelled out the authority to "take all necessary action in areas of deployment of its forces … to ensure that its area of operations is not utilized for hostile activities."

The resolution also asked UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to look at ways the peacekeeping mission can increase its visible presence, including through patrols and inspections.

US ambassador Nikki Haley had demanded that the French draft “ensure UNIFIL is doing its job to the fullest extent possible extent.” After the vote, she commented: "At the direction of its patron, Iran, the terrorist organization Hezbollah is stockpiling an offensive arsenal in southern Lebanon," Haley told the 15-member council after the vote. "It is preparing for war. They have thousands of missiles and thousands of trained fighters all beyond the control of the Lebanese government. It is apparent to everyone who cares to see it," she said.