EU Announces New Training and Support Mission to Bolster Lebanese Armed Forces

The European Union is set to establish a new mission aimed at supporting and training the underfunded Lebanese Armed Forces, the bloc's foreign affairs chief announced on Thursday.

Kaja Kallas, speaking during a visit to Beirut alongside Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi, clarified that the upcoming mission is not intended to replace the UN's peacekeeping mission in south Lebanon, known as Unifil, whose mandate concludes at the end of the year.

“It will advise and assist the LAF and Internal Security Forces to strengthen territorial control, border security and also internal security,” Ms Kallas stated, emphasizing that the initiative's scope extends beyond southern Lebanon as discussions regarding a continued UN presence remain ongoing.

The mission is scheduled for formal establishment on October 12 during a meeting of EU foreign ministers, following an official invitation from Lebanese authorities. This initiative builds on existing EU support, which includes a €1 billion ($1.12 billion) financial, humanitarian, and security assistance package covering the period from 2024 to 2027.

The announcement comes amid growing concerns over a potential security vacuum in south Lebanon, where Israel occupies approximately 65 towns and villages and Hezbollah maintains influence, as the UN mission prepares for withdrawal without a formally announced successor. Potential roles for EU member states France and Italy have been discussed.

“We remain ready to work with Lebanon and UN Security Council members on what comes next,” Ms Kallas said. “There cannot be a security vacuum when Unifil leaves. Lebanon must have full control of its whole territory. That also means moving towards the disarmament of Hezbollah.” She added that any international force must possess a UN mandate.

The Lebanese Armed Forces, heavily reliant on international donors due to severe underfunding, has attempted to expand its footprint in south Lebanon despite facing severe challenges amid the ongoing Israeli occupation. Meanwhile, pressure from the US and Israel for Hezbollah to disarm raises concerns about potential internal conflict or civil war if forced disarmament is attempted.

Israel's recent military campaign in Lebanon, renewed in March following hostilities involving Iran, has resulted in the deaths of over 4,300 Lebanese citizens and widespread destruction across border towns and villages. The escalation followed rocket fire by Hezbollah into Israel after the killing of Iran's supreme leader.

Ms Kallas is currently undertaking a two-day trip to Lebanon, during which she also met with President Joseph Aoun.