Lebanon security talks in Paris to focus on post-UNIFIL alternatives
Summary
Military leaders from Europe and Arab countries are meeting in Paris to discuss how to support Lebanon’s army as the United Nations peacekeeping mission (UNIFIL) is set to end in January. They are also preparing for the possibility of new international missions to help Lebanon and managing tensions caused by recent Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon.Key Facts
- European and Arab military chiefs are holding talks in Paris about Lebanon’s security needs.
- UNIFIL, a UN peacekeeping mission with about 7,500 troops, has operated in Lebanon for nearly 50 years and is expected to end in January.
- Lebanon and France want to extend UNIFIL’s mission, but the US and Israel have not shown support for this.
- Possible new missions led by France, Italy, or the European Union may focus on training and assisting the Lebanese army.
- The US is participating through a senior military official involved in Middle East security.
- Talks follow US-brokered agreements aimed at easing border tensions between Israel and Lebanon.
- Israeli attacks recently killed civilians in southern Lebanon, worsening fears of renewed conflict.
- Disarming Hezbollah is a key demand for Israel’s withdrawal, while Lebanon’s president wants to do this without conflict.
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