Can Europe fill vacuum left in Lebanon as UN peacekeeping force winds up?
Summary
The United Nations peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon, known as UNIFIL, will end in 2026. The European Union is considering sending a new mission to support Lebanese forces, but the plan would not replace UNIFIL’s role fully. The UN is also exploring options for a smaller force to continue some peacekeeping duties.Key Facts
- UNIFIL has been in southern Lebanon for nearly 50 years and will end its mission in 2026.
- Lebanon faces ongoing Israeli attacks, with a fifth of its land occupied and many displaced people.
- The EU proposes a three-year mission to advise and train the Lebanese army and police, focusing on border and maritime security.
- The EU mission would not replace UNIFIL but aim to strengthen Lebanon’s own security forces.
- UNIFIL could monitor but never enforce Israeli withdrawal or disarm armed groups like Hezbollah.
- Israel criticized UNIFIL for not preventing Hezbollah’s military growth and pushed for the mission’s end.
- The UN suggests smaller forces for future peacekeeping, with options ranging from 900 to 3,000 soldiers.
- There is concern a gap after UNIFIL ends could let Israel push for more direct coordination with Lebanese forces, changing current international peacekeeping arrangements.
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