EU diplomatic service proposes mission to train Lebanese forces, document shows

The European Union's diplomatic service has put forward a proposal for a three-year military and civilian mission to advise and train Lebanese forces. The initiative, detailed in a document circulated to EU member states, focuses on enhancing border and maritime security capabilities.

The proposed mission aims to bolster Lebanon's Internal Security Forces (ISF), with the strategic goal of freeing up the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) to concentrate on disarming the militant group Hezbollah. This effort is seen as a way to strengthen Lebanon's territorial control and border security.

This development occurs as the mandate for the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is scheduled to expire at the end of 2026, followed by a year-long drawdown and withdrawal. The EU is not seeking to replace UNIFIL but rather to augment the capacity of Lebanese security forces.

The mission's mandate would involve strengthening land border regiments, mobile forces, and regional gendarmerie units. It would also focus on enhancing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, as well as reinforcing maritime security, including governance of borders and ports. Any such mission would require the approval of all 27 EU member countries.