EU considers new mission in Lebanon to strengthen security structures

The European Union is analyzing the possibility of deploying a military and political mission to Lebanon with a three-year duration, aimed at training and advising the country’s security forces, according to a document seen by Reuters.

The initiative was prepared by the EU’s diplomatic service following an assessment of ways to strengthen Lebanon’s Internal Security Forces, so that the Lebanese army can focus more on disarming Hezbollah.

According to the document dated June 17, which has been distributed to EU member states, the mission would begin with an initial three-year mandate and would help Lebanese authorities increase territorial control and border security by expanding the capacities of the army and police.

The document includes support for land border regiments, mobile forces and regional gendarmerie units, as well as improving intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. The mission would also focus on strengthening maritime security, border management and port protection.

The debate over a possible European mission is taking place at a time when the mandate of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon, UNIFIL, is expected to expire at the end of 2026, after which a one-year withdrawal process is expected to begin.

However, the implementation of such a mission would depend on the approval of all 27 member states of the European Union.

This proposal comes at a complicated moment for security in southern Lebanon, where Israeli troops remain following the latest clash with Hezbollah. The fighting began after the Lebanese group opened fire on Israel in support of Iran, just days after U.S. and Israeli attacks against Tehran.

Although the ceasefire announced between Israel and Hezbollah at the end of last week has largely been respected since Sunday, the Israeli army continues to hold positions in parts of southern Lebanon, stressing that this presence is necessary to protect Israel’s northern areas from possible Hezbollah attacks.