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In a move aimed at bolstering regional security, France, Italy, and the United States have initiated preparations to deploy an international coalition force in southern Lebanon. This development comes in response to the impending conclusion of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mission, with the new force set to operate at the explicit request of the Lebanese government and in support of the country’s national armed forces.
According to a French Foreign Ministry official speaking to Al Arabiya, the three countries will collaborate to establish a multinational force in the region. This force will be authorized to undertake a range of missions, including military operations aimed at countering potential security threats and strengthening the capacity of the Lebanese Armed Forces.
The planned deployment is seen as a significant move, reflecting France and Italy’s commitment to regional stability and the US’s ongoing efforts to shore up security arrangements in the Middle East. By supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces, the international coalition force is expected to contribute to enhanced stability and security throughout the country.
Commentators note that the new force’s authorization to undertake military operations aligns with the security concerns of the region, particularly regarding the presence of extremist groups in the area. The deployment is also seen as a means of bolstering the authority of the Lebanese government and enhancing its military capabilities.
In a statement, the French Foreign Ministry emphasized its commitment to Lebanon’s stability and security, while also expressing the country’s gratitude to the international community for its continued support. France has long maintained a significant presence in the region, with UNIFIL having been based in Lebanon since the 1970s.
The planned deployment follows discussions with Lebanon’s government and is expected to be formally announced in the coming weeks. Once operational, the international coalition force will assume responsibility for a region previously policed by UNIFIL, with the mission’s transition set to occur at the end of the month.
While details of the force’s operational mandate and size remain unclear, France, Italy, and the US are expected to provide substantial financial and military support. The new force will be closely aligned with UNIFIL’s current operations, with a focus on bolstering security and supporting Lebanese government authorities.
As the international community continues to grapple with regional security challenges, the planned deployment in southern Lebanon underscores the willingness of major international powers to address these concerns through collective action.