Berlin: Germany has put forward a proposal to deploy a European Union force in Lebanon to take over from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The current UN peacekeeping mission's mandate is set to expire at the end of this year, prompting the suggestion from German Foreign Minister Johannes Wadephul.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Wadephul emphasized the importance of preventing a security vacuum in Lebanon following the conclusion of UNIFIL's mission. He suggested that the European Union should investigate the possibility of establishing a European mandate to ensure stability in the region. Wadephul also highlighted the recent formation of a stable government in Lebanon as a significant positive development, which could support the transition from a UN to an EU-led force.

UNIFIL's current mandate is scheduled to end in December 2026, although Germany's parliament recently extended the country's involvement in the mission. This extension, however, was stated to be the last, underscoring the urgency of finding a new framework for international support in Lebanon.