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Italy's Post-UNIFIL Pledge: Why Troops Will Stay in Lebanon After 2027

Italy has announced it will keep its forces in southern Lebanon even after the UN peacekeeping mission withdraws in 2027. Defence Minister Guido Crossetto made the statement during a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Beirut. The move aims to support the Lebanese Army in maintaining stability along the volatile border with Israel. This comes amid ongoing, fragile negotiations between Lebanon and Israel following their recent ceasefire.

Key Points: Italy to Keep Forces in Lebanon After UN Peacekeepers Withdraw

  • Italy plans to maintain troops south of the Litani River after UNIFIL's 2027 withdrawal
  • Lebanese President welcomes European participation in any future force
  • UN Security Council has extended UNIFIL's mandate for a final time until 2026
  • Talks between Lebanon and Israel focus on Hezbollah disarmament and border security
2 min read

Italy to keep forces in Lebanon after UN peacekeepers withdraw: Defence minister

Italian Defence Minister announces Italy and other European nations will maintain a military presence in southern Lebanon after UNIFIL's planned 2027 withdrawal.

"Italy's presence aims to support the Lebanese Army in maintaining security and stability in southern Lebanon. - Lebanese Presidency Statement"

Beirut, Dec 22

Italy plans to maintain a military presence south of the Litani River in southern Lebanon after the withdrawal of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in 2027, Italian Defence Minister Guido Crossetto said here on Monday, adding that other European countries intend to take a similar step.

During a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Beirut, attended by Defence Minister Michel Menassa, Crossetto emphasised that Italy's presence aims to support the Lebanese Army in maintaining security and stability in southern Lebanon, according to a statement released by Lebanon's presidency.

Crossetto said Italy is also keeping up diplomatic contacts to help stabilise southern Lebanon and is closely monitoring Lebanon's ongoing negotiations, stressing that continued tension in the south benefits no one and that Israel must acknowledge this reality.

Aoun said Lebanon welcomes the participation of Italy and other European countries in any force that may replace UNIFIL after its withdrawal in 2027, noting that such a force would help the Lebanese Army maintain security and stability along the southern border following Israel's withdrawal, Xinhua news agency reported.

On August 28, the UN Security Council extended UNIFIL's mandate for the final time ahead of its planned withdrawal. Resolution 2790, which was unanimously adopted by the 15-member council, extends the UNIFIL's mandate until December 31, 2026, before a year-long drawdown and withdrawal.

A ceasefire agreement between Hezbollah and Israel has been in force since November 27, 2024.

Israel has, however, continued to carry out occasional strikes in Lebanon, aimed at eliminating Hezbollah threats.

Earlier this month, the two countries held their first direct talks in southern Lebanon's Naqoura. On Friday, the two sides held talks again as part of a security dialogue, focusing on Hezbollah's disarmament and the return of residents to their homes in Lebanon's southern border villages, according to Israeli and Lebanese sources.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The UNIFIL withdrawal was inevitable, but a European-led force stepping in is a positive sign. Stability in Lebanon is crucial for the entire Mediterranean region.
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Arjun K
Direct talks are the only way forward. Hezbollah's disarmament is a must for lasting peace. India has always advocated for dialogue over conflict. Good to see steps in that direction.
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Priya S
While the intent is good, replacing one foreign force with another rarely solves the root problem. The focus should be on empowering the Lebanese Army completely, not creating long-term dependency.
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Vikram M
The article mentions Israel's "occasional strikes" continue. How can there be true stability when one side keeps violating the ceasefire? The new force must have a strong mandate to prevent this.
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Michael C
A phased withdrawal makes sense. Gives time for the transition. Hope other European nations join Italy. A multilateral effort usually has more legitimacy and staying power.

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