EU proposes three-year mission to strengthen Lebanese security forces

The European Union's diplomatic service has proposed a three-year military and civilian mission to advise and train Lebanese security forces, including in border and maritime security, according to a document seen by Reuters on June 24.

The proposal follows an EU assessment of ways to strengthen Lebanon's Internal Security Forces, with the aim of allowing the Lebanese army to focus on efforts to disarm the armed group Hezbollah.

Discussions over a potential EU mission come as the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is due to expire at the end of 2026. UNIFIL is expected to begin a year-long drawdown and withdrawal process at that time.

The EU is not considering replacing UNIFIL, but rather bolstering Lebanese security institutions. Any mission would require approval from all 27 EU member states.

According to a document dated June 17 and circulated among member countries, the European External Action Service said a potential mission would "have an initial mandate duration of three years" and "would support the Lebanese authorities in reinforcing territorial control and border security through strengthening the capacities of the LAF and the ISF", referring to the Lebanese Armed Forces and Internal Security Forces.

"To this end, the Mission would focus on strengthening land border regiments; Mobile Force and Regional Gendarmerie Units; enhancing Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance [ISR] capabilities; and reinforcing maritime security capacities, including border and port security governance," it added.

The proposal faces challenges due to the continued presence of Israeli forces in parts of southern Lebanon. Israeli troops seized territory during a conflict that began after Hezbollah opened fire on Israel in support of Tehran, days after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran.

Although a ceasefire has largely held since June 21, Israeli forces remain deployed in areas of southern Lebanon. Israel has said the deployment is necessary to protect northern communities from potential Hezbollah attacks.

By Sabina Mammadli