The UN Security Council extended the mandate for a peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon for another year on Friday, but will reduce the number of troops amid U.S. and Israeli criticism over the mission's efficiency, diplomats said.
The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) - established in 1978 - patrols Lebanon's southern border, known as the Blue Line, with Israel. Washington regards Hezbollah, which supports the Syrian government and has a strong presence in south Lebanon, as a terrorist organization.
The United States and Israel have argued that the force needs to be smaller but with more powers and more access to areas controlled by Hezbollah. They have pointed to recent incidents on the border in areas monitored by \\UNIFIL\\ as examples of why the force should be bolstered. Israel struck Hezbollah targets on Wednesday after it said it had come under attack.
The renewal of the U.N. mission comes as Lebanon grapples with a financial crisis, political deadlock and the aftermath of a blast that killed 180 people.