What are the future tasks of international forces in southern Lebanon after UNIFIL?

Sources told the “Al-Sharq Al-Awsat” newspaper that the Lebanese state is showing enthusiasm for the continued presence of international forces on its border with Israel. This orientation was expressed recently by President Joseph Aoun, stressing Lebanon’s welcome for the participation of Italy and other European countries in any force that replaces UNIFIL forces operating in the south after the end of its mission in 2027.

It was pointed out that the aim of this orientation is to support the Lebanese army in maintaining security and stability on the southern border after the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the hills and occupied territories.

According to ministerial sources, the idea of ​​an alternative force to UNIFIL began to be raised after the announcement of the end of its tasks at the end of 2027. They explained that the French, Italians, and Spaniards expressed a desire to keep their forces in the south, even if in a smaller number than the current one, and then confirmed this position recently, with the expectation of other countries joining, such as Germany and African countries.

The sources indicated that the purpose of the presence of these forces is to consolidate an international presence on the border, which contributes to the deployment of the Lebanese army after the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the occupied lands and hills. They pointed out that it is not yet clear under what name or umbrella this will be done, whether under the umbrella of the European Union or another international umbrella, with plenty of time to formulate the final formula during the next two years.

The sources concluded that the remaining of these forces is supposed to be under an agreement between the government and the governments of the countries concerned to legitimize its presence. They affirmed that the state welcomed this trend, and that serious studies and discussions are currently underway, based on Lebanon’s interest in the presence of international forces on its southern border to confront any expansionist or other plans.