International Talks Focus on Equipping Lebanese Army for Post-UNIFIL Security Role

A preparatory meeting in Paris on Thursday discussed international efforts to bolster the Lebanese army and internal security forces, aiming to enable them to assume broader security responsibilities in southern Lebanon. This comes as the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is slated to begin a gradual withdrawal by the end of 2026, following a UN Security Council decision to extend its mandate for the final time until December 31, 2026. The withdrawal process is expected to take a year, with the ultimate goal of the Lebanese government becoming the sole provider of security in the south.

The Paris meeting, part of the "Aqaba Process" framework, involved Lebanese, French, Jordanian, and international officials discussing the needs of the Lebanese military and security agencies. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun emphasized the need for long-term partnership and a clear roadmap for an upcoming international conference to support the military, stressing the importance of avoiding a security vacuum post-UNIFIL. French President Emmanuel Macron called for supporting the Lebanese army as the entity responsible for southern security, alongside efforts for Israeli troop withdrawal from Lebanese territory.

Military experts suggest the international support goes beyond mere armament, focusing on rebuilding the army's capacity to fulfill the security functions previously shared with UNIFIL. This includes developing a comprehensive capability system encompassing deployment, control, combat and logistical units, command and control centers, and advanced surveillance and communication networks. Key identified gaps include intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities, requiring drones, radars, and secure communication systems to provide a continuous operational picture.

Analysts note that the support for the Lebanese army is complex, intertwined with the issue of Hezbollah's weapons and the potential for continued Israeli presence. They point out that Hezbollah is unlikely to disarm, and Israel's withdrawal is not imminent. The effectiveness of international aid is also seen as dependent on the U.S. stance, with the participation of the U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon in the Paris meeting highlighting Washington's crucial role in determining the timing of a donor conference and the extent of future support.