Germany proposes EU mission for Lebanon as UN force nears end

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has put forward a proposal for the European Union to establish a mission in southern Lebanon, aiming to prevent a security vacuum when the United Nations' UNIFIL peacekeeping force concludes its operations at the end of 2026. Wadephul suggested that an EU-mandated troop presence could create the conditions for an Israeli military withdrawal without allowing Hezbollah to re-establish its presence.

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We should examine within the EU whether we can ensure, following the UNIFIL mission, that no security vacuum arises with a European mandate.

The German minister described the current situation in the region as one of the most hopeful developments in years. He believes that supporting this positive process is crucial and that an EU mission could be instrumental in ensuring stability. The proposal comes as the UN Security Council decided not to extend UNIFIL's mandate, which has been in place for nearly 50 years.

UNIFIL, established in 1978 to monitor the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, comprised approximately 10,800 soldiers and civilian staff. The German Bundeswehr has been involved in UNIFIL, with the German Navy assisting in preventing arms smuggling and training the Lebanese Navy. Germany plans to withdraw its troops by early 2027.

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This could create the prerequisite for the Israeli army to withdraw without Hezbollah returning with its terror.

Under the UN's plan, the Lebanese government is expected to become the sole security guarantor in southern Lebanon north of the Blue Line, the UN-demarcated border between Lebanon and Israel. This proposal emerges amidst ongoing direct political talks between Lebanon and Israel aimed at solidifying a ceasefire, though sporadic clashes between Israel and Hezbollah persist.

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We should therefore do everything we can to ensure that this process continues positively.