German Foreign Minister Johann Wadeful has proposed deploying an EU mission to replace the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in southern Lebanon, as its mandate nears completion. Meanwhile, Israeli reports reveal an alternative proposal involving the deployment of Italian forces to oversee security arrangements in the region.
According to reports by Germany's "Deutschland" network, Wadeful called for an EU mandate to prevent a security vacuum post-UNIFIL, suggesting that this could pave the way for the Israeli army to withdraw "without Hezbollah returning with its terrorism" to the border areas.
The German minister emphasized that Lebanese government stability presents an opportunity that should be supported, noting that the European Union is required to play a larger role in maintaining the country's security and political path.
Italian Initiative
The German proposal comes as Israel's Ynet reported ongoing discussions about an "Italian initiative," which involves deploying Italian forces in southern Lebanon to oversee disarmament and prevent Hezbollah's return to the area, instead of UNIFIL forces.
According to the report, the proposal emerged after Israel and the United States rejected assigning this task to the UN, with the project still under review and no final decision made.
The report also indicates that talks between Lebanese and Israeli delegations discussed the Israeli army's withdrawal mechanism from parts of the south. Israel suggested a pilot model that allows the Lebanese army to deploy in areas vacated by the Israeli army, with the potential to expand if successful.
The Lebanese Army
The Lebanese delegation insisted that the Lebanese army should be the sole authority to control those areas and oversee security arrangements.
The UN Security Council has decided to end UNIFIL's mission by the end of 2025, with the Lebanese army assuming security responsibility in the area. France and Italy have previously expressed support for launching a new European mission to support Lebanon post-UNIFIL, though the final nature of this mandate remains under discussion among European nations and relevant parties.