UN debates future withdrawal of Lebanon peacekeeping force

The United Nations Security Council began to debate Monday a resolution drafted by France to extend the UN peacekeeping force in south Lebanon for a year with the ultimate aim to withdraw it.

Israel and the United States have reportedly opposed the renewal of the force’s mandate, and it was unclear if the draft text has backing from Washington, which wields a veto on the Council.

The US State Department did not respond to a request for comment on the future of the force, the UN Interim Forces…