Israel rejects push to keep international troops in south Lebanon after Unifil exit

Israel’s UN envoy, Danny Danon, has firmly rejected proposals to maintain a significant international military presence in southern Lebanon once the UN peacekeeping mission, Unifil, wraps up its duties by the end of the year. According to Danon, the decision to conclude Unifil’s mandate should be respected, as Lebanese forces must assume responsibility for securing the border.

The envoy expressed surprise at the suggestion of retaining thousands of troops in Lebanon, as initially proposed by the UN peacekeeping chief, Jean-Pierre Lacroix. Israel, alongside the US, has argued that it is in Lebanon’s best interest to transition to the next stage and disperse international forces. Danon emphasized that Israel has direct arrangements with neighboring countries' militaries, including Egypt, Jordan, and Syria, to address border security.

He also noted that while France and Italy have supported a joint initiative to create an international coalition to assist Lebanon, Israel opposes the move, as it is currently engaged in conflict with Hezbollah. The envoy stated that any foreign troops stationed near the Israeli border would be particularly sensitive to Israel, and Israel would prefer a focus on training the Lebanese military elsewhere.