Lebanon Coordinates with Italy and Europe for a UNIFIL Replacement Role in the South

22 December 2025, 9:39 AM

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انسحاب اليونيفيل من الجنوب مقرر 2027، تنسيق للبديل — Lebanese Presidency

Lebanon and Italy Agree on European Role as UNIFIL Replacement

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun confirmed Lebanon’s readiness to welcome the participation of Italy and other European countries in any international force that would replace UNIFIL following its planned withdrawal in 2027, emphasizing the Lebanese Army’s role in ensuring both domestic and regional stability.

Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto indicated his country’s desire to maintain troops in southern Litani after UNIFIL’s withdrawal, adding that other European countries are considering a similar position, while stressing the importance of achieving practical outcomes in negotiations and avoiding prolonged tensions in the region.

Guido expresses his country’s desire to remain in the South as a UNIFIL replacement — Lebanese Presidency

The statements were made during an official meeting between the two sides, which addressed security developments in southern Lebanon and ways to enhance stability through coordination with European countries.