Germany to Continue Lebanon Support After Unifil Ends

Germany has confirmed it will maintain its support for the Lebanese military after the UN peacekeeping mission Unifil concludes its mandate. Deputy Defence Minister Nils Schmid stated this during an interview at the Manama Dialogue in Bahrain.

Unifil, established in 1978, has operated in southern Lebanon, monitoring the Blue Line between Lebanon and Israel and supporting the Lebanese army. The UN Security Council voted unanimously in August 2025 to extend the mission until December 2025, after which it will begin an orderly withdrawal of its personnel.

Germany has contributed to Unifil for years, particularly through its naval component, providing training and assistance to the Lebanese navy. A German frigate serves as part of the mission's maritime force, which is headed by a German commander.

Schmid emphasized that Germany will not deploy ground troops to Lebanon, with its focus remaining on maritime operations. Other European countries are prepared to contribute soldiers to a future mission, although the details had yet to be worked out.

Italy's Defence Minister Guido Crosetto told The National in an interview in Rome that Italy was planning a new international mission to replace Unifil, but it would need US approval. Meanwhile, EU foreign ministers agreed in October to establish a three-year civilian-military mission to bolster Lebanon's security institutions through advisory and training support for its armed forces and internal security services. The initiative is distinct from Unifil and is not intended to assume its peacekeeping and monitoring role in southern Lebanon.

Germany has assured the Lebanese government of its continued support for the army, stressing the importance of ensuring that the state remains the sole authority responsible for security. Schmid encouraged Lebanon to continue its plan of disarming militias and non-state actors inside Lebanon, noting that this is critical for state sovereignty.

Germany supports Lebanon's territorial sovereignty and integrity, while acknowledging Israel's legitimate security interests. The country is not planning to increase its participation in the EU's Operation Aspides mission, though it will maintain its current level of support.

Operation Aspides, launched in 2024, aims to protect commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden from attacks by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi rebels. Discussions are ongoing in Brussels about closer coordination between Aspides and the Saudi-led Multinational Maritime Defensive Coalition, including the possibility of establishing a liaison office. No decision has been taken on this yet.

Schmid highlighted the interconnected nature of security challenges between Europe and the Gulf, citing military cooperation between Russia and Iran. Germany has authorised more arms sales to the region under its current government, with air defence a particular priority. Approvals continue to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. The Defence Ministry has established a dedicated unit to prepare agreements for Gulf partners to negotiate arms purchases directly with Berlin.