Germany to maintain presence in Lebanon after Unifil ends, deputy defence minister says

Germany remains committed to maintaining a presence in Lebanon after the UN peacekeeping mission Unifil concludes, according to Deputy Defence Minister Nils Schmid. The UN Security Council extended Unifil's mandate until December 2025, after which it will begin withdrawing its personnel. Established in 1978, Unifil has been monitoring the Blue Line and supporting the Lebanese army in extending state authority in southern Lebanon.

Germany has contributed to the mission through its naval component, including a frigate with a German commander.

Schmid stated that Germany will continue training and assisting the Lebanese military after Unifil's withdrawal, but it will not deploy ground troops. Discussions are underway among European countries, including Italy, France, and Spain, to determine the structure of a future international presence, whether under a new UN mandate or an EU framework. Israel's continued military presence in southern Lebanon complicates the Lebanese army's deployment efforts.

Germany supports Lebanon's territorial sovereignty and integrity, while also acknowledging Israel's security interests. Aspides, the EU's naval mission for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, continues to receive Germany's support, with potential coordination between Aspides and the Saudi-led Multinational Maritime Defensive Coalition being explored.

The security challenges facing Europe and the Gulf are becoming more interconnected, according to Schmid, leading to increased defence exports, particularly in air defence systems, and a new government-to-government purchasing framework for direct negotiations with Berlin.