A proposed European security mission for Lebanon is being discussed as the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, known as UNIFIL, approaches the end of its mandate. A senior European diplomatic official confirmed on Tuesday that the planned European force would be separate from UNIFIL and would not replace it.
The official said the mission would support the Lebanese Army in disarming Hezbollah. Its wider purpose would be to strengthen Lebanon’s ability to maintain stability and security in southern Lebanon as responsibility for the area passes to national institutions.
The U.N. Security Council has decided to end UNIFIL by the end of 2026. UNIFIL forces in southern Lebanon are expected to conclude their mission late this year. The Lebanese Army is set to take responsibility for security in the region after that conclusion.
Discussions on a European mission began recently among several countries. France and Italy have announced support for launching a new mission to assist Lebanon after the U.N. operation ends. Several countries have also indicated that they are ready to provide resources, personnel, training and logistical support to the Lebanese Army and security forces.
The proposed mission would work with the Lebanese Armed Forces and the Internal Security Forces. It would seek to develop their capabilities so they can maintain stability. Its proposed mandate would also help the army extend state authority and move towards the southern border areas.
Another element of the mandate would concern the implementation of international resolutions. This would include addressing the arms issue and ensuring that weapons are confined strictly to state control. The diplomatic official’s confirmation places support for the Lebanese Army’s efforts to disarm Hezbollah at the centre of the proposed mission.
Key details remain unsettled. European nations and relevant parties are still discussing the force’s final mandate and scope. The countries that might participate beyond France and Italy have yet to be specified, as have the timing of any deployment, its size, cost, training arrangements and operational structure.
There is also no confirmed mechanism for implementing Hezbollah’s disarmament or for coordinating the proposed mission with Lebanese government institutions. The European discussions therefore concern a prospective support force rather than an approved replacement for UNIFIL. Its eventual role will depend on the mandate agreed by the participating countries and relevant parties.
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