Germany proposes EU force to replace UN peacekeepers in Lebanon

German Foreign Minister Johannes Wadephul has put forward a proposal for the European Union to deploy its own force in Lebanon, aiming to succeed the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) as its mandate nears its end. The suggestion is intended to prevent a security vacuum from emerging in the region.

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We in the EU should consider whether we can guarantee that there will be no security vacuum with a European mandate following the UNIFIL mission.

Wadephul articulated his idea in an interview, stating that the EU should consider its capacity to guarantee stability once the UNIFIL mission concludes. He highlighted Lebanon's current situation, describing it as "one of the most promising developments in the region at the moment," particularly with a stable government in place.

The German minister suggested that a European-mandated force could create the necessary conditions for a withdrawal of the Israeli army without the subsequent return of Hezbollah. This strategic objective underscores the delicate security dynamics in the area.

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one of the most promising developments in the region at the moment.

UNIFIL's current mandate is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2026. The German parliament recently extended the country's participation in the mission for the final time, indicating a transition period is approaching. Wadephul's proposal signals a potential shift in international peacekeeping efforts in Lebanon, with a greater EU involvement.

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create the conditions for an Israeli army withdrawal without Hezbollah's return.