According to recent press reports, the blue draft concerning the renewal of the mandate for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has been issued. The draft includes significant amendments emphasized by the Lebanese government, with the most notable change being the requirement for UNIFIL to "continue coordination with the Government of Lebanon," taking into account Lebanese sovereignty and the agreement signed between the UN and Lebanon, known as "SOFA."
The draft also affirms that UNIFIL must "conduct its operations independently, while continuing coordination with the Government of Lebanon," in accordance with the Status of Forces Agreement. Additionally, the draft "strongly condemns" any attempts to restrict the movement of UNIFIL personnel, as well as attacks on its personnel and equipment, along with acts of intimidation and disinformation campaigns against UNIFIL.
Another important point in the draft is a direct call for the Government of Israel to expedite the withdrawal of its army from northern Ghajar and the adjacent area north of the Blue Line, specifically the outskirts of the town of Mari. The draft stipulates that this withdrawal should be coordinated "without further delay" and in cooperation with UNIFIL, which is actively working with both Israel and Lebanon to facilitate such a step.
