Middle East live: Paris talks aim to bolster Lebanese army as end of UN mission looms
Summary
European and Arab military leaders met in Paris to discuss how to support Lebanon’s army as the UN peacekeeping mission (UNIFIL) in southern Lebanon is set to end by the end of 2026. They explored ideas for a new international force to help train and support Lebanese troops amid tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.Key Facts
- UNIFIL, a UN peacekeeping mission with about 7,500 personnel, will end its mandate at the end of 2026.
- Lebanon and France want to extend the UN mission, but the US and Israel have not supported this extension.
- Paris talks considered creating a new mission led by France and Italy, possibly outside the UN system, or a mission led by the European Union.
- The new mission ideas focus on training, providing equipment, sharing intelligence, and mentoring the Lebanese army.
- Lebanon’s army is financially weak and is under pressure from Israel’s military presence in southern Lebanon and Hezbollah, an armed group backed by Iran, which refuses to disarm.
- A donor conference to raise money for Lebanon’s army is planned for late 2026 or early 2027.
- Leaders from Lebanon, France, and Jordan are working to gain international support for Lebanon’s military.
- The current conflict risks creating a security gap after UNIFIL withdraws, increasing concerns about renewed violence in southern Lebanon.
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