Israel wants US-led force to disarm Lebanon's Hezbollah

Fearing a security vacuum if UN peacekeepers leave southern Lebanon when their mandate expires December 31, the Lebanese government is desperately seeking an extension of the United Nations Interim Force (UNIFIL) or the creation of a European-led multinational force to take its place.

Israel, which has occupied dozens of villages south of the Litani River since its latest invasion of the country earlier this year can't wait for the Blue Helmets to leave. It has long lobbied against UNIFIL’s extension, deeming it ineffective in taming and disarming Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militia.

But Tel Aviv hasn't opposed an international force once UNIFIL leaves; it just doesn’t want one tied to the UN. Israel is lobbying for a U.S.-led force, while the Lebanese government prefers a European-led mission to aid the Lebanese army if UNIFIL’s mandate is not renewed or extended.