New Delhi, Aug. 28 -- The United Nations Security Council on Thursday voted unanimously to terminate its peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon at the end of 2026, ending nearly five decades of operations after sustained pressure from the United States and Israel.

The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was established in 1978 to oversee Israel's withdrawal following its invasion of southern Lebanon and was expanded after the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah. Currently comprising about 10,800 military and civilian personnel, the mission has long played a key role in monitoring tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border, known as the Blue Line.

Under the resolution, UNIFIL's mandate will expire in December 2026. Withdrawal of troops,...