German foreign minister proposes EU mission to replace UNIFIL in Lebanon

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has proposed that the European Union establish a mission to replace the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) after the peacekeeping force withdraws from the country.

Wadephul said the EU should consider whether it could establish a European mandate to prevent a security vacuum after UNIFIL’s mandate expires, German media reports.

“We in the EU must examine whether, once UNIFIL’s mandate expires, we could ensure—within the framework of a European mandate—that no security vacuum arises,” he said.

According to Wadephul, an EU mission could help create conditions for Israel to withdraw its forces from Lebanon while reducing the risk of renewed attacks by Hezbollah.

The German foreign minister said recent developments in Lebanon offered hope for a positive shift in the situation and called on European countries to support the continuation of that process.

UNIFIL was established after Israel’s 1978 invasion of Lebanon under a United Nations Security Council resolution. Its mandate has traditionally been renewed every six months.

In August last year, the UN Security Council extended the mission’s mandate until December 31, 2026, while also approving an orderly and safe reduction of its personnel in southern Lebanon and a complete withdrawal by 2027.

UNIFIL currently has more than 8,000 personnel, including military personnel from 47 countries.

By Sabina Mammadli