EU plans new mission to strengthen Lebanon security forces
More than 10 EU countries are prepared to provide personnel and resources for planned advisory and training mission
BEIRUT, Lebanon (MNTV) — The European Union is preparing a new mission to advise and train Lebanon’s Internal Security Forces, with more than 10 member states willing to provide personnel and resources, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said.
Kallas announced the initiative during a briefing following an informal meeting of EU defense ministers in Ireland. She said the mission is intended to strengthen Lebanon’s Internal Security Forces (ISF) and help Lebanese authorities respond more effectively to security challenges.
EU officials said the proposed mission would concentrate on advisory and training assistance designed to improve the operational capabilities of the ISF and strengthen Lebanon’s security institutions.
The initiative is being discussed as the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is scheduled to expire at the end of 2026.
The UN peacekeeping force has operated along the Lebanon-Israel border since 1978 and has played a role in maintaining stability in the area.
EU officials said the planned mission would complement wider international efforts to support Lebanese security institutions rather than replace existing arrangements.
Kallas said the EU was in contact with the Lebanese government regarding the country’s needs and with member states about what they were prepared to contribute. She said more than 10 countries had indicated a willingness to provide resources and personnel.
The proposed mission comes as Lebanon’s security institutions continue to face pressure from political instability, economic difficulties and the presence of armed groups, including Hezbollah.
Some regional analysts have argued that strengthening the Internal Security Forces could allow the Lebanese army to concentrate more heavily on other security responsibilities, including efforts related to the disarmament of Hezbollah.
That interpretation, however, has not been formally endorsed by the Lebanese government or the Lebanese army.
The EU has not yet announced a deployment timetable or identified the individual member states that would contribute personnel and resources. Discussions among EU institutions and member governments are continuing.
The planned mission is part of broader international efforts aimed at strengthening Lebanon’s state security institutions and improving their ability to maintain security across the country.
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