European Union officials are drawing up plans for a possible civilian-military mission in Lebanon that could begin in early 2027.
European Union officials are drawing up plans for a possible civilian-military mission in Lebanon that could begin in early 2027, Euractiv reported, citing an EU military source.
UNIFIL, the United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon, which has operated in southern Lebanon since 1978 and currently comprises over 8,000 peacekeepers, will begin withdrawing after its final mandate expires on December 31.
Approved by the UN Security Council last year amid pressure from the US and Israel, the drawdown is expected to continue throughout 2027.
As part of the preparations, a joint EU civilian-military team made its second visit to Lebanon earlier this month.
The delegation discussed potential support for the Lebanese Armed Forces and the police, as well as coordination with international security actors already operating in the country.
EU institutions are now drafting operational plans that could be presented to the bloc’s Political and Security Committee by mid-September.
The mission’s mandate, funding, composition, and command structure still require approval from all 27 member states.
Italy and France are leading efforts to establish a multinational force to succeed UNIFIL.
Italian and Lebanese military chiefs discussed the proposal in Rome, including its legal and financial framework, a possible Italian troop contribution, and options for a multinational command.
Damaged buildings are seen in the Haret Hreik neighborhood of Dahieh in Beirut's southern suburbs on April 19, 2026, after Israeli strikes and days after a 10-day ceasefire took effect at midnight on April 17. Photo: Manon Roca/Middle East Images via AFPVolatile Security Situation
Lebanese authorities have warned that an international security presence will remain necessary due to the country's volatile situation.
In June, Israel and Lebanon signed a US-mediated framework calling for the disarmament of Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group, a gradual Israeli withdrawal, and the deployment of Lebanese troops in vacated areas.
Implementation has made limited progress.
Beirut said continued Israeli strikes are obstructing the Lebanese army’s deployment, Anadolu Agency reported, while Israeli forces still hold positions across southern Lebanon after advancing more than 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) into Lebanese territory.
The hostilities, which began in October 2023, escalated sharply in March after Hezbollah fired rockets in response to the killing of Iran’s supreme leader in US-Israeli strikes.
Israel subsequently launched a major air and ground campaign.
Israeli attacks have since killed 4,348 people and injured more than 12,000, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry.
White humanitarian tents are set up along the sidewalk on the Beirut waterfront near Bain St Georges (Zaituna Bay) in Beirut, Lebanon, on May 12, 2026. Photo: Manon Roca/Middle East Images via AFP