BEIRUT: Western nations have floated the idea of deploying international forces to Lebanon alongside the Lebanese army in case of a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, a senior Western diplomat said on Wednesday.
Currently, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has around 10,000 peacekeepers stationed in southern Lebanon. However, discussions are underway about a separate multi-national troop deployment, which would bolster the Lebanese army’s presence in the region.
“A ceasefire and a presence trusted by both sides is needed right now. This could involve the Lebanese army supported by international forces,” the diplomat told AFP, requesting anonymity due to the sensitivity of the negotiations.
Western countries have been providing military aid to Lebanon’s armed forces for years. Now, they are looking at ways to enhance this support in case of a ceasefire and a potential long-term diplomatic solution, the diplomat added.
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has escalated significantly since last month, following nearly a year of Israeli military operations against Hamas in Gaza. Israel turned its focus northward, launching airstrikes and sending ground troops into southern Lebanon.
The 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah ended with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which called for the deployment of Lebanese government forces and UNIFIL peacekeepers in southern Lebanon. However, the limited implementation of this resolution has drawn criticism.
During a visit to Beirut this week, US envoy Amos Hochstein emphasized that “both sides simply committing to 1701 is just not enough.” He added, “We have to put things in place that would allow for confidence that it will be implemented for everyone.”
The idea of a “1701-plus” resolution, which could involve adding new provisions to the existing UN decision, has been circulating among Lebanese officials and Western diplomats. This approach seeks to address the shortcomings of the 2006 resolution by enhancing its enforcement mechanisms.
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, in an interview with France24 on Wednesday, emphasized the need for a ceasefire before any new agreements could be finalized. “The most important thing is a ceasefire, then 1701 and the mechanism for its implementation, and not an annex,” he said. Mikati also expressed Lebanon’s readiness to strengthen the army’s presence in the south after a ceasefire is reached.
The current conflict has put UNIFIL under intense pressure, with the peacekeeping mission accusing Israeli forces of “repeatedly” and “deliberately” targeting its positions in recent weeks. Meanwhile, Hezbollah, which has refused to disarm since Lebanon’s civil war in the name of “resistance” against Israel, remains a powerful force in southern Lebanon.
Lebanon has a history of international troop deployments. Following Israel’s 1982 invasion, a UN-mandated multinational force, including contingents from the US and France, was stationed in the country. However, the mission was marred by two deadly attacks that killed nearly 300 personnel.
