Türkiye, Germany back new security framework for southern Lebanon

Türkiye has expressed interest in participating in a new international security initiative for Lebanon after the mandate of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the country's south expires at the end of the year.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced Ankara's position following talks with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun during the latter's official visit to Türkiye this week.

“After the withdrawal of the current international force, Türkiye wants to take part in all initiatives that will be launched to support security in the region and ensure Lebanon’s sovereignty,” Erdoğan said during a joint press statement with Aoun.

“The end of the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon [UNIFIL] deployed in southern Lebanon, will constitute an important development,” he added.

Aoun travelled to Ankara on July 30 for the first visit by a Lebanese head of state to Türkiye in 17 years. During the talks, he sought Ankara's support in securing Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon and restoring stability along the border.

Calls for a successor security arrangement have already gained support in Europe. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul previously revealed that Berlin had proposed that the European Union deploy a force after the UN mandate expires to prevent the emergence of a "security vacuum" in southern Lebanon.

According to Wadephul, such a force would facilitate the withdrawal of Israeli troops while preventing Hezbollah from "returning with its terror."

Last year, the UN Security Council unanimously voted to terminate the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) following pressure from the United States and Israel. The mission is scheduled to conclude on December 31.

Fading trust in US-brokered deal

According to sources cited by the Emirati media outlet The National, the Security Council has not yet begun substantive discussions on whether a replacement mission should be established. Diplomats are reportedly waiting to assess whether US-mediated negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, as well as the framework agreement signed by the two countries last month, could eliminate the need for a continued international presence.

Lebanese officials, however, argue that the interim agreement signed in Washington on June 26 does not establish a clear enough timetable for Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon in exchange for the disarmament of the Hezbollah militant group.

As a result, Beirut has intensified diplomatic efforts to secure regional and international backing to encourage Israel to fully implement the agreement, with Ankara being a prime example.

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was established by the UN Security Council in 1978 under Resolutions 425 and 426 to oversee the withdrawal of Israeli forces, help restore international peace and security, and support the Lebanese government's authority in southern Lebanon.

By Nazrin Sadigova