More than 10 EU countries 'eager to contribute to Lebanon mission'

More than 10 European Union member states have expressed willingness to participate in a new mission aimed at supporting Lebanon’s security forces following the planned withdrawal of United Nations peacekeepers from southern Lebanon by December 31. This announcement came during a meeting of EU defence ministers in Ireland, where the bloc’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, confirmed progress in planning the initiative. The mission is intended to assist Lebanese security forces in maintaining order and enhancing border and maritime security, while allowing the Lebanese army to focus on countering Iran-backed Hezbollah. The proposed mission does not seek to directly replace the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which has operated in the region since 1978. Instead, it aims to provide advisory and training support to Lebanese institutions. The move follows the US veto of UNIFIL’s mandate renewal last year, ending nearly five decades of continuous deployment. Ireland’s foreign and defence minister, Helen McEntee, emphasized the importance of avoiding a power vacuum in the region after UNIFIL’s departure. Ireland, which contributes 274 military personnel to the current UNIFIL force of over 7,000 peacekeepers from 46 countries, is one of the largest contributors. Kallas noted that discussions with the Lebanese government are ongoing to determine specific requirements and contributions from participating nations. Over a dozen EU countries have indicated readiness to deploy both resources and personnel. The initiative reflects broader efforts within the EU and beyond to address regional instability and ensure continuity in security operations. Lebanon has sought to extend UNIFIL’s mandate, requiring approval from the UN Security Council. However, the U.S. stance on this issue remains uncertain. France, currently holding the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council, has signaled openness to supporting such an extension. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stated that France is engaging in discussions with Lebanese authorities regarding the future of UNIFIL. If Lebanon deems an extension necessary, France will back that position in its dialogue with the council. In June, France and Italy launched a joint initiative to form an international coalition to succeed UNIFIL, working in coordination with the EU and NATO. This effort has received support from Lebanese leadership but faces opposition from Israel, which is engaged in hostilities with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. Israel has criticized UNIFIL for failing to disarm Hezbollah, a position echoed by former U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration. Supporters of UNIFIL argue that disarming Hezbollah was never part of the mission, which primarily aimed to support the Lebanese army in that task. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun recently visited Italy, expressing gratitude to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for her country’s multifaceted support for Lebanon. During their meeting, the two leaders addressed concerns surrounding the potential withdrawal of UNIFIL. In recent months, Lebanon and Israel have held seven rounds of direct talks at the U.S. embassy in Rome, focusing on establishing “pilot zones.” These zones would involve Israeli forces withdrawing from specified areas, allowing the Lebanese army to take control and facilitating Hezbollah’s disarmament. Despite these negotiations, Israel has only withdrawn from two pilot zones thus far. Lebanon hopes that an international presence could expedite further Israeli withdrawals. The evolving dynamics in the region underscore the complexity of balancing regional security interests with diplomatic efforts to stabilize southern Lebanon. As preparations for the new EU-led mission continue, the involvement of multiple countries highlights the growing international interest in ensuring stability and security in the area.