France proposes international force to replace UNIFIL in Lebanon

France is advancing a diplomatic initiative to establish an international force to replace the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). This proposal aims to reorganize the international presence in southern Lebanon following security and political shifts in the region.

President Emmanuel Macron has indicated that French forces will remain in the south and is coordinating with various European and non-European nations to form this alternative force. The goal is to prevent a security or diplomatic vacuum in the high-risk border area.

Lebanon has expressed its approval of this French-Italian initiative or any alternative formula that prevents a vacuum upon the conclusion of UNIFIL's mandate. However, the success of the project depends heavily on securing approval from the United States, which French officials are currently working to persuade.