While the mission of the UNIFIL forces in southern Lebanon is expected to end late this year, a senior European diplomatic official confirmed on Tuesday that any European security mission in Lebanon will not replace UNIFIL.
The diplomat also clarified to Al-Arabiya television that the proposed European security mission “will support the Lebanese Army in disarming Hezbollah.”
Discussions regarding this mission had started recently among several countries that expressed readiness to provide resources, personnel, training, and logistical support to the Lebanese Army and security forces -- especially with the conclusion of UNIFIL's mission and its non-renewal by the United Nations.
The work of this proposed mission would focus on supporting and developing the capabilities of the Internal Security Forces and the Lebanese Armed Forces to enable them to maintain stability.
Its mandate would also include enabling the army to extend state authority, move toward the southern border areas, and dedicate itself to implementing international resolutions, including addressing the arms issue and confining weapons strictly to state control.
The U.N. Security Council has decided to end the UNIFIL mission by the end of 2026, with the Lebanese Army assuming responsibility for security in the region.
Meanwhile, France and Italy announced their support for launching a new European mission to assist Lebanon after the conclusion of the U.N. mission, while the final nature of the mandate for this force remains a subject of discussion among European nations and relevant parties.
Europe feels that the two remaining members of France's vaunted Foreign Legion should return to the region and complete its civilizing mission, Germany telling England, "I love those funny hats."
