Turkey Proposes Deploying Troops on Israel-Lebanon Border to Replace UNIFIL

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Thursday that Turkey intends to participate in a new security initiative in southern Lebanon, replacing the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Speaking at a joint press conference with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Ankara, Erdogan described the end of UNIFIL's mandate as an important development and expressed Turkey's desire to ensure Lebanon's sovereignty and support regional security. This statement effectively signals Turkey's plan to deploy troops along the border with Israel as part of the new force.

UNIFIL's mandate is set to expire in 2027, following a UN Security Council decision last August to begin a gradual withdrawal of the peacekeeping force from southern Lebanon. Responsibility for security in the area will then be transferred to the Lebanese government. UNIFIL was originally established in 1978 after Operation Litani and expanded after the 2006 Lebanon War under Resolution 1701. However, it has faced criticism over the years for failing to prevent Hezbollah's strengthening in southern Lebanon.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun expressed hope that his visit to Ankara would mark a new phase in bilateral relations based on partnership and trust. Meanwhile, Turkey continues to bolster its military, the second largest in NATO, amid assessments that Ankara aims to expand its influence in the region.