Germany proposes to replace UNIFIL with EU-led force to prevent 'security vacuum'

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has proposed replacing the expiring UNIFIL peacekeeping mission in Lebanon with an EU-mandated force to prevent a security vacuum. The UNIFIL mission is set to expire on December 31, 2026. Wadephul stated, "We should examine in the EU whether we can ensure that no security vacuum arises with a European mandate following the UNIFIL mission." He believes an EU force could "create the conditions for the Israeli army to withdraw without Hezbollah returning with its terror." This proposal comes as Lebanon and Israel held their sixth round of ambassador-level talks in Rome, aiming for an Israeli withdrawal from south Lebanon amidst ongoing conflict with Hezbollah.