France, Italy propose successor force to UN mission in Lebanon

France and Italy are proposing to establish an international force to replace the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil). The initiative, announced by French President Emmanuel Macron after a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, aims to prevent a dangerous security vacuum.

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We want to launch a coalition for a post-Unifil arrangement, of course coordinated with the EU and the UN.

Macron stated, "We want to launch a coalition for a post-Unifil arrangement, of course coordinated with the EU and the UN." This proposal comes as the UN Security Council extended Unifil's mandate only until December 31, 2026, marking the final extension. The council's decision was influenced by the United States, which cited an improved security situation in Lebanon.

However, the planned withdrawal of the peacekeeping mission has raised concerns amid reports of ongoing Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon. Meloni emphasized the potential impact of joint Italian and French action, saying, "Italy and France can absolutely make a difference." She added, "In our view, it is necessary to ensure an international presence that prevents an extremely dangerous security vacuum."

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Italy and France can absolutely make a difference.

Unifil, currently comprising approximately 7,500 peacekeepers from nearly 50 countries, has been stationed in southern Lebanon near the border with Israel since its deployment in 1978. The mission was established following an Israeli invasion during a Palestinian uprising and amidst Lebanon's civil war. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has advocated for maintaining a UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon after Unifil's mandate expires, a proposal expected to face opposition from the US and Israel.

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In our view, it is necessary to ensure an international presence that prevents an extremely dangerous security vacuum.