Support for Lebanese Army, ceasefire mechanism: Italian proposal for force to replace UNIFIL
Italy has proposed establishing a smaller multinational force, authorized by the United Nations, to replace UNIFIL in southern Lebanon, according to reports in Lebanon.
The force would focus on supporting the Lebanese Army, protecting civilians, supporting the U.S.-led ceasefire mechanism and any future disarmament arrangements, helping reduce tensions between Israel and Lebanon, and monitoring and reporting violations.
According to the Lebanese newspaper Nidaa Al-Watan, the plan aims to maintain an international security presence in southern Lebanon while transferring primary responsibility to the Lebanese Army. However, its success depends on resolving outstanding issues including the command structure, force size, rules of engagement, funding, authority to verify the pilot zones, and whether the ceasefire mechanism suspended since March can be reactivated.
