France, Italy Plan International Military Presence in Lebanon Post-UNIFIL

France and Italy are reportedly planning to maintain an international military presence in Lebanon after the withdrawal of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which is slated to conclude by the end of 2026. Diplomatic sources indicate that France is engaged in close consultations with UN Security Council partners regarding the future of international forces in the country.

The initiative by France and Italy aims to establish a UN-backed international presence to ensure stability, particularly in southern Lebanon. This move comes as Lebanese President Michel Aoun has expressed a preference for UNIFIL to remain, contrary to the UN's withdrawal plan. Aoun has also accused Israel of pushing for UNIFIL's departure, while Lebanon desires their continued presence.

These developments occur amidst ongoing discussions between Israel and Lebanon aimed at altering the situation in southern Lebanon and removing Hezbollah from the area. While the agreement designates the Lebanese army to assume responsibility for the region, Aoun's insistence on an international military presence suggests a lack of full confidence in his own country's forces. The French diplomatic source also highlighted that stability in Lebanon is linked to the disarmament of Hezbollah.

UNIFIL, comprising approximately 7,500 personnel from around 50 nations, has been deployed in southern Lebanon since 1978. Despite its mandate, the region has experienced significant conflicts involving Israel and Lebanon, including major rounds of fighting in 1982, 2006, and 2024. Israel has engaged in seven meetings with Lebanon concerning a plan to change the situation in the south and remove Hezbollah, a plan in which the Lebanese army plays a crucial role.