Lebanese Army: EU wants to strengthen its support

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The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, has stated that Lebanon needs additional support for its army to help disarm Hezbollah and restore full state control over the entire territory. This position was expressed on Friday, April 24, during an informal EU meeting in Nicosia, as the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has been extended for three weeks under American sponsorship.

The EU’s statement comes at a time of intense diplomatic pressure on Beirut. The Lebanese government aims to strengthen its army, prevent unauthorized military operations, and move towards public monopoly of weapons. Meanwhile, Israel conditions full withdrawal from southern Lebanon on guarantees regarding Hezbollah. Therefore, Washington, Paris, and Brussels emphasize the importance of the Lebanese army in the post-ceasefire phase.

Kaja Kallas also mentioned that the EU was discussing the possibility of creating a new mission in Lebanon after the end of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon’s mandate. She clarified that this potential mission would not have the same mandate as UNIFIL. Discussions are ongoing, with no formal decisions, operational timeline, or detailed format announced by the European Union yet.

At a meeting in Nicosia, Kaja Kallas highlighted three points regarding Lebanon: the need for increased support for the Lebanese army, the goal of disarming Hezbollah and restoring state control, and the discussion on a possible EU presence post-UNIFIL, in a yet-to-be-defined format.

The European position focuses on the Lebanese army. Brussels sees strengthening this institution as crucial for stability, border control, and achieving state monopoly over force. The EU sees the Lebanese army as instrumental in replacing armed groups in the south, ensuring Israeli retreat, and rebuilding state authority. The EU’s stance aligns with the Lebanese government’s emphasis on strengthening the army as a realistic path to disarm Hezbollah gradually.

EU-Aid could encompass various aspects such as equipment, training, logistical support, surveillance capacity, mobility aid, operational assistance, or indirect funding. Kaja Kallas’s statement emphasized the need for additional support, though specific programs have yet to be finalized.

The Hezbollah remains a central player in Lebanon, politically and militarily. Disarmament efforts impact complex internal dynamics, alongside security demands from Israel and Western allies. The EU intends to indirectly support Lebanese sovereignty by empowering their institutions, avoiding direct confrontation with Hezbollah.

The EU’s deliberation on Lebanon aligns with the upcoming UNIFIL transition. The EU is considering deploying a new mission following UNIFIL’s end, exploring different mandates and international mechanisms to maintain stability in southern Lebanon.

The EU’s involvement in Lebanon post-UNIFIL suggests a commitment to assisting the Lebanese army, addressing security challenges, and contributing to the region’s long-term stability. The EU’s strategy focuses on strengthening Lebanon’s institutions while respecting national sovereignty and promoting dialogue between Lebanon, Israel, and US mediators.