Paris talks weigh future support for Lebanon’s army as UNIFIL mandate nears expiry

European and Arab military chiefs are meeting in Paris to discuss support for Lebanon’s armed forces as the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) approaches expiry at the end of 2026.

The talks will consider training, equipment, intelligence sharing and mentoring for the Lebanese Armed Forces. They will also examine options for an international presence in southern Lebanon after UNIFIL begins drawing down, with the force reportedly numbering about 7,500 personnel.

Lebanon and France favour extending the UN mandate, while the United States and Israel have not signalled support for prolonging it. France and Italy are backing consideration of a mission outside a UN mandate, while an EU-led mission is also under discussion.

The authority, composition and operating terms of any replacement mission remain undecided. A French presidency official told reporters that the arrangements and mandate would need to be defined, while the source did not establish formal Lebanese backing for the proposals.

The Paris meeting is also intended to prepare for a donor conference for Lebanon’s military, potentially in late 2026 or early 2027. An earlier conference led by France, Saudi Arabia and the United States was postponed after renewed regional conflict.

France 24 International reported that the discussions are taking place amid concern over a possible security vacuum in southern Lebanon. The source describes the Lebanese army as cash-strapped and positioned between Israeli forces and Hezbollah.