The defense ministers of European Union (EU) member states contributing to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) have strongly condemned recent attacks on UNIFIL bases, which have endangered the safety of the mission’s personnel.
Following Israeli attacks on UNIFIL’s headquarters in southern Lebanon, the defense ministers of the 16 EU countries involved in UNIFIL held a videoconference. This meeting was convened at the initiative of Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto and his French counterpart, Sébastien Lecornu, to discuss the evolving situation in Lebanon.
A written statement issued by the Italian Ministry of Defence stated that the purpose of the meeting was to “define a common approach” to Europe’s role in the UNIFIL mission in light of recent events in southern Lebanon.
During the meeting, all ministers expressed deep concern about the situation in the region and condemned the attacks on UNIFIL bases, which have jeopardized the safety of military personnel. They emphasized the importance of fully implementing UNIFIL’s mandate and protecting its personnel, while calling on the international community to make a sustained and resolute commitment.
The participants reiterated that incomplete or partial implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1701 in no way justifies attacks on UNIFIL forces. They also stressed the need to review the mission’s rules of engagement to ensure that UNIFIL can operate more effectively and safely.
The 16 EU countries emphasized that any decisions regarding the future of UNIFIL should be made collectively at the UN level. They agreed on the importance of maintaining a stable presence in Lebanon.
The ministry’s statement also highlighted a shared commitment to exert maximum political and diplomatic pressure on Israel to prevent further incidents. At the same time, the ministers made it clear that Hezbollah must not use UNIFIL personnel as a shield in the conflict. They also agreed that the Lebanese Armed Forces should be strengthened through adequate training and international funding to become a credible force capable of contributing to the stabilization of the region with UNIFIL’s support.
Meanwhile, Minister Crosetto mentioned in a broadcast on Italian television channel Rai that due to security risks, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who is scheduled to visit Jordan and Lebanon on Friday, would be unable to visit the thousand-strong Italian contingent stationed with UNIFIL.
