Lebanese President Joseph Aoun Discusses Peacekeeping Future with Italian Leaders in Rome

Lebanon's peacekeeping forces took center stage during discussions between Lebanese president Joseph Aoun and Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni on Friday, marking the conclusion of his two-day visit to Rome. Mr Aoun also met with his Italian counterpart, Sergio Mattarella, who holds a largely institutional and constitutional role.

In a post on X, Mr Aoun stated that he "thanked Prime Minister Meloni for the support Italy provides to Lebanon at various levels." The leaders also addressed the general situation in Lebanon, particularly in the south, amid continuing Israeli attacks and the necessity to pressure Israel into complying with the implementation of the framework agreement reached during the Lebanese-American-Israeli negotiations in Washington. The talks further encompassed "Italy’s role in consolidating security and stability in the south" and "the period following the end of the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon ( Unifil )". Lebanon’s Ambassador to Italy Carla Jazaar participated in both meetings.

Additionally, Mr Aoun met Pope Leo XIV on Thursday, expressing gratitude for his efforts to support Lebanon in seeking an end to the Israeli occupation and attacks on its territory. In another post on X, Mr Aoun called on the Pope to "continue supporting Lebanon’s demands and urged the Vatican to maintain its diplomatic efforts in international forums to help secure them".

Lebanon and Israel have engaged in seven rounds of direct talks—a first in decades—with some sessions held at the US embassy in Rome. These talks have centered on establishing "pilot zones," which are designated areas where Israeli forces would withdraw, the Lebanese army would assume control, and Hezbollah would disarm. Thus far, Israel has withdrawn from only two pilot zones. Mr Aoun’s meetings in Rome coincide with Lebanon's efforts to maintain international support for the agreement's implementation while negotiations proceed. Although the next round of talks is scheduled for September, a Lebanese political source noted that Israel has yet to confirm the dates.

Turning the Unifil page

Unifil has maintained a presence at the southern border of Lebanon since 1978, operating under an annually renewed mandate set to expire in December 2026. Italy, which contributes the largest contingent of EU soldiers, and France are planning to establish an alternative force involving certain European countries, backed by NATO, to assume Unifil's role. Meanwhile, the US and Israel have opposed this plan, advocating instead for a US-led force. Joseph Aoun aims to advance the force working alongside the LAF.

Unifil's mandated responsibilities include monitoring the cessation of hostilities and violations of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, supporting the deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) in southern Lebanon, and assisting in the creation of an area between the Blue Line and the Litani River free of armed personnel, weapons, and military assets other than those belonging to the Lebanese state or Unifil. The mission is also tasked with facilitating humanitarian access and supporting efforts to ensure the security and freedom of movement of UN personnel. The force's mandate was renewed for a final time in 2025, with operations scheduled to end on December 31, 2026, followed by a withdrawal throughout 2027. This decision reflects a push, particularly from Washington, to conclude what the US viewed as an open-ended peacekeeping mission and have the Lebanese state take on sole responsibility for security in southern Lebanon.

Italy and other EU nations, including France, had previously warned that a premature withdrawal would cause a security vacuum, as the LAF is incapable of filling the gap. However, mounting pressure from Washington urges the Lebanese government to disarm Hezbollah and secure control of the southern region. The June 26 US-brokered framework directly links Hezbollah's disarmament to broader security arrangements and an Israeli withdrawal. At the same time, Israel refuses to withdraw from southern Lebanon until the group is disarmed, while its forces continue daily strikes on the area.