Over 10 EU Nations Ready to Support New Security Mission in Lebanon Following UN Withdrawal

More than 10 EU states are willing to contribute resources and personnel to a new military and civilian mission designed to advise and train Lebanese forces following the scheduled withdrawal of UN peacekeepers later this year, the bloc's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced on Tuesday.

Speaking after a meeting of EU Defence Ministers in Ireland, Ms Kallas stated that the mission aims to strengthen Lebanon's Internal Security Forces, allowing the Lebanese army to focus on disarming the Iran-backed armed group Hezbollah. “Planning is progressing well, and we aim for the [European] Council decision to launch in October,” she said.

Irish Foreign and Defence Minister Helen McEntee, speaking alongside Ms Kallas, emphasized the importance of preventing a security vacuum after the departure of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon, which is set for December 31 following a US veto of its mandate renewal last year.

“We do not want to allow a gap to exist where we know there needs to be a continued presence,” Ms McEntee noted, highlighting Ireland's significant contribution of 274 military personnel to the broader 7,000-strong peacekeeping force.

Ms Kallas clarified that the new EU initiative is not intended to replace the Unifil mission, but rather to help Lebanese security forces establish order and support border and maritime security.

While Lebanon reportedly wishes to extend Unifil's mandate—a move requiring UN Security Council approval—the US position remains unclear. However, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stated in Paris that France, holding the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council, would be open to supporting an extension if requested by Lebanese authorities.

Earlier, France and Italy announced a joint initiative to create an international coalition, coordinated with the EU and Nato, to support the Lebanese state, though the plan has faced opposition from Israel amid ongoing conflict in southern Lebanon.

Amid these developments, Lebanese president Joseph Aoun visited Rome in August to thank Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for Italy's ongoing support. Meanwhile, Lebanon and Israel have engaged in direct talks at the US embassy in Rome regarding designated pilot zones for phased Israeli withdrawals and Hezbollah disarmament.