The European Union is discussing a proposed new military and civilian mission for southern Lebanon as the mandate of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon, or UNIFIL, approaches its end on December 31, 2026. The European External Action Service has proposed a three-year mission to advise and train the Lebanese Armed Forces and Internal Security Forces, including on border and maritime security. EU officials say the plan is intended to strengthen Lebanese state institutions and security structures, not directly replace UNIFIL.

The discussion comes amid near-daily Israeli attacks in Lebanon, with about one-fifth of the country’s territory under occupation and around 335,000 people still displaced, according to the source. EU defence and foreign ministers meeting in Ireland this week may discuss Lebanon. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said in May that Europeans were ready to form a mission to support Lebanon’s armed forces, while expressing doubt about sending one to take over all of UNIFIL’s responsibilities.

Analysts warn that UNIFIL’s departure could create a serious temporary security vacuum. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres presented three post-UNIFIL options in June, involving 900 to 3,000 troops, compared with about 7,000 in UNIFIL then. Observers say any new mission’s effectiveness will depend on a broader political agreement acceptable to both sides.