Italy says it will keep a military presence in Lebanon after the United Nations peacekeeping force it belongs to begins to withdraw as planned at the end of 2026.
"Even after UNIFIL, Italy will continue to do its part by firmly supporting the international presence and supporting the capacity-building of the Lebanese armed forces," Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said Monday during a visit to Lebanon, referring to the United Nations Interim force in Lebanon, whose mandate will end on 31 December 2026.
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He was visiting Italy's nearly 1,100 troops in Lebanon, the second-biggest contingent in the 10,000-strong force, after Indonesia, which has about 1,200.
Five Italian generals have lead the mission over the last 20 years, including the current head, Italian Major General Diodato Abagnara.
UNIFIL's role
Created in 1978 and expanded after the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah, UNIFIL has long served as a buffer force in southern Lebanon.
The UN Security Council voted in August to allow only one final extension to the end of 2025, after pressure from Israel and the United States to end the mandate.
France and its European partners have argued that UNIFIL’s continued presence is vital for stability in the region.
Some have pointed to the example of Mali, where a premature UN withdrawal left government forces overstretched and paved the way for extremist groups to expand.
Israel pushed for the end of the UNIFIL mandate, and has urged the Lebanese government to exert its authority over the Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah, which was devastated by an Israeli military campaign in 2024.
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Truce deal
Under the truce deal between Israel and Hezbollah, the Lebanese army has been deploying in southern Lebanon and dismantling Hezbollah's infrastructure.
Crosetto said the Lebanese army needs help.
"Support is needed to strengthen the Lebanese armed forces, so that they are in the best possible position to defend the country, ensuring security and respect for its borders," he said, adding that Italy “will guarantee our presence in multilateral and bilateral contexts”.
"Support is needed to strengthen the Lebanese armed forces," which he said are "best placed to defend the country, ensuring security and respect for its borders".
The Lebanese army is crucial for stability in Lebanon and the region, he added, confirming that Italy "will ensure our presence at multilateral and bilateral levels... in the belief that multinational support remains the most effective solution in crisis areas".
(with AFP)
