US UN Envoy Mike Waltz Vows to Overhaul UNIFIL, Slamming Force as Terrorist Shield
US UN Ambassador Mike Waltz criticized UNIFIL as a human shield for terrorists, announcing a trip to Lebanon to overhaul the mission. Speaking in New York, Waltz also highlighted the weakening of Iran and the expansion of the Abraham Accords.
US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz sharply criticized the UN peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon, UNIFIL, during the annual gala of the local press in New York, describing it as a "human shield for terrorists." Waltz announced that he will travel to Lebanon next week to push for a fundamental overhaul of the mission.
Speaking at the event, Waltz stated that the 20-year-old peacekeeping mission costs one billion dollars annually yet has failed to promote peace. "I am traveling there next week to get rid of this human shield known as UNIFIL and to change the peacekeeping mandate that has been there for 20 years," he declared, adding that the goal is to transform the UN into an organization that genuinely works for regional peace.
Waltz also addressed the weakening of the Iranian axis in the Middle East, highlighting that the Iranian regime is at its weakest point in history. He pointed to the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, the blows dealt to Hezbollah, and regional developments as steps toward curbing Tehran's influence. He praised President Donald Trump for having the courage to make tough decisions.
Highlighting regional security cooperation, Waltz noted the unprecedented joint military efforts between Israel and Gulf states, including the United Arab Emirates. He recalled that six years ago it was unimaginable to see Israeli soldiers fighting alongside Arab troops and Arab nations assisting in defending Israel against Iranian missile attacks.
Addressing the Abraham Accords, Waltz rejected past predictions that regional conflicts would cause the agreements to collapse. He emphasized that the accords have not only survived multiple wars but are actively expanding. He credited President Trump's vision with laying the groundwork for normalization and noted that the framework helped achieve breakthroughs regarding Gaza and the return of hostages.
Regarding the situation in Gaza, Waltz asserted that Hamas must disarm and will not govern the territory. He praised the ongoing US administration's efforts, including those of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and concluded with an optimistic message about the synergy between Israeli innovation, Arab investments, and American technology.
