Media: France, Italy plan troop deployment in southern Lebanon

France and Italy are preparing to deploy military forces to southern Lebanon as part of a broader international effort to reshape security arrangements in the country following the planned withdrawal of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), according to media reports and official statements.

Al Arabiya reported that the initiative would be implemented after the conclusion of UNIFIL’s mandate, with consultations currently underway in Paris regarding the scope and structure of the deployment. The multinational presence is expected to be deployed at the request of the Lebanese authorities and is intended to strengthen the capabilities of the Lebanese Armed Forces.

The report also said France is continuing negotiations with the United Kingdom and regional partners in parallel, including discussions linked to preparations for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

The developments follow a decision by the UN Security Council last year to wind down the UNIFIL mission, with a full withdrawal scheduled to be completed by 2027. Established in 1978 to monitor the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, UNIFIL saw its mandate expanded after the 2006 war, with troop levels reaching up to 15,000 personnel.

Separately, Euractiv reported that the European Union is considering launching its own mission to support the Lebanese military. A source cited by the publication said, “some coordination may be offered, but not in the form of a complete replacement. It will be a completely different mission.”

Momentum for a new multinational framework intensified on June 26, when Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to establish a coalition to replace UNIFIL forces. Macron said the proposed contingent would help prevent Lebanese territory from becoming a “springboard for regional escalation”.

The announcement came shortly after a diplomatic breakthrough on June 27, when Lebanon and Israel signed a framework agreement outlining a phased resolution of their conflict, including provisions for a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory.

However, Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, Yehiel Leiter, indicated that Israeli troops would not fully withdraw in the near term. He said Israel would maintain a buffer zone in southern Lebanon until the Lebanese army proves capable of defeating Hezbollah and taking full responsibility for security in the area.

As part of the same agreement, the United States expressed its intention to strengthen the Lebanese Armed Forces, aiming to enhance their ability to assert sovereignty and maintain stability across the country.

By Tamilla Hasanova