President Emmanuel Macron is moving ahead with a proposal for a new European force to replace the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The plan envisions a multinational contingent that would support the Lebanese Armed Forces as UNIFIL winds down its nearly five‑decade mission.
U.S. officials suggest civilian alternative
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Fox News Digital that a civilian monitoring mechanism could replace a military deployment. “It doesn’t have to be a military mission. It could be a civilian mission,” Rubio said, emphasizing the need for a credible verification process for Israeli withdrawals and Lebanese control.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz echoed the sentiment, stating that the current UNIFIL structure will not continue and that Washington is working with partners to draw down the mission.
European partners divided
France’s initiative faces resistance from key European allies. Italy, which previously supported a coalition after UNIFIL’s exit, is now reluctant to commit troops under the Paris‑led proposal, according to three sources familiar with the discussions.
Simone Rodan‑Benzaquen, senior envoy for Europe at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, warned that replacing UNIFIL with another military force could repeat past shortcomings. She urged France to use diplomatic leverage to help the Lebanese government disarm Hezbollah rather than sending additional troops.
Domestic turmoil in France
Macron’s foreign‑policy push comes as France wrestles with escalating protests over rising living costs, wages, and deteriorating public services. Demonstrations have complicated the government’s effort to pass the 2027 budget, with mounting debt and political divisions limiting fiscal flexibility, Reuters reported on Nov. 5.
The unrest underscores the challenge of committing resources to an overseas mission while domestic priorities demand attention.
UNIFIL’s future and regional security
The United Nations Security Council extended UNIFIL’s mandate for a final time in August 2025, authorizing an orderly withdrawal by Dec. 31 2026. Washington has backed ending the mission, citing concerns that UNIFIL has not prevented Hezbollah’s continued military presence in southern Lebanon.
France maintains that it will support UNIFIL until its mandate expires and will contribute to shaping any future international engagement in Lebanon, aligning with its stated commitment to Lebanese sovereignty and the implementation of UN resolution 1701.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
