Daijiworld Media Network - Beirut
Beirut, Dec 22: Italy has indicated that it intends to keep its military forces deployed south of the Litani River in southern Lebanon even after the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) completes its withdrawal in 2027. Italian Defence Minister Guido Crossetto made the announcement during his visit to Beirut, noting that several other European nations are also considering a similar long-term presence.
Speaking during a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, which was also attended by Lebanon’s Defence Minister Michel Menassa, Crossetto said Italy’s continued deployment would focus on assisting the Lebanese Army in preserving security and stability in the sensitive southern region. A statement issued by the Lebanese presidency said Italy also remains actively engaged through diplomatic channels to support efforts aimed at stabilising the area.
Crossetto stressed that prolonged instability in southern Lebanon serves no party’s interests and said Israel must recognise that continued tensions could further complicate the situation. He added that Italy is closely following Lebanon’s ongoing negotiations related to the south.
President Aoun welcomed Italy’s stance, saying Lebanon is open to the involvement of Italy and other European countries in any force that may succeed UNIFIL after its exit. He noted that such participation would strengthen the Lebanese Army’s ability to maintain order along the southern border, particularly in the aftermath of Israel’s eventual withdrawal.
The United Nations Security Council extended UNIFIL’s mandate for the final time on August 28 through Resolution 2790, which keeps the mission in place until December 31, 2026. This will be followed by a year-long drawdown leading to a complete withdrawal in 2027.
A ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel has been in effect since November 27, 2024, though Israel has continued to carry out limited strikes in Lebanon, citing threats from Hezbollah. Earlier this month, Israel and Lebanon held their first direct talks in Naqoura, followed by another round of discussions focusing on security concerns, Hezbollah’s disarmament, and the return of displaced residents to southern Lebanese villages.