US insists Lebanese army guard southern border alone — Asharq Al-Awsat

According to Western diplomatic sources cited by Asharq Al-Awsat, the United States insists that the Lebanese Armed Forces independently ensure security along the country’s southern border after the mission of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) ends. European countries agree that the Lebanese army should eventually take over this function, but believe it currently needs international support.

US and European positions

Last week, Washington blocked Beirut’s proposal to extend UNIFIL’s mandate for six months. According to the outlet, most members of the UN Security Council support either extending the mission’s mandate or creating a force to replace it, but the United States opposes both options.

Western diplomatic sources said Washington’s position is that only the Lebanese army should guard the border, so there should be no need for another contingent in the region. The European side believes that Lebanon’s army is not yet able to carry out this task without international assistance because of shortages of personnel and weapons.

Possible replacement for UNIFIL

Options discussed to prevent a security vacuum in southern Lebanon included a European contingent to replace UNIFIL and an increased presence of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization. France, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom may join a new mission, according to Lebanese sources.

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Representatives of European countries discussed a possible alternative format at the beginning of the month, including the composition of the contingent, the consent of Lebanon and Israel, and funding. UNIFIL currently has about 8,100 personnel in southern Lebanon.

Beirut’s arguments

Lebanese sources stressed that the army needs weapons, ammunition and transport, and without this support it will not be able to carry out the mission independently. They also consider the presence of an international force important, as it could record violations in the south of the country and help with demining, reopening roads and the return of residents.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun told the UK’s senior defence adviser for the Middle East, Edward Ahlgren, that ending UNIFIL’s mandate without creating a replacement would create a vacuum that would not contribute to security and stability. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam plans to discuss this issue with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington.