South Lebanon crowded with foreign forces to replace UNIFIL and monitor Hezbollah’s arms

Southern Lebanon is preparing for a new phase of international presence as UNIFIL’s mission approaches its end, while a separate international mechanism is also being discussed to monitor Hezbollah’s disarmament.

Under the first track, a new European mission is being considered for the post-UNIFIL period, with countries including Ireland, Spain, Austria, France, and Italy involved, and more than 10 European states reportedly ready to contribute.

The second track focuses on creating a separate mechanism to verify disarmament, with the UK, Italy, Switzerland, and Indonesia among the countries proposed to take part.

The two missions would be distinct, though some countries may overlap. Final arrangements are still under negotiation, but the direction is becoming clearer: the end of UNIFIL may not mean less international involvement in southern Lebanon, but rather a reshaping of that presence under new names and mandates.