What's happened
German President Steinmeier announced that Germany will withdraw its troops from UNIFIL in Lebanon by the end of 2026, after nearly five decades. Germany is training Lebanese forces and plans to support a follow-up presence, amid ongoing tensions and calls for disarmament of Hezbollah.
What's behind the headline?
The end of UNIFIL marks a significant shift in Lebanon's security landscape. Germany's withdrawal signals a move away from long-standing international peacekeeping, raising questions about Lebanon's stability. The German pledge to support Lebanese forces indicates a focus on strengthening state authority, but the absence of a clear follow-up force could create a security vacuum. The disarmament of Hezbollah remains a contentious issue, with Lebanon's leadership urging progress and Israel demanding full withdrawal. This transition will likely increase regional instability unless new arrangements are swiftly implemented. The international community's role will be crucial in preventing escalation and ensuring Lebanon's sovereignty is respected.
What the papers say
The New Arab reports that Germany's president announced troop withdrawal plans and emphasized support for Lebanese state authority post-UNIFIL. The Independent highlights the ongoing US and Israeli pressure to end the mission and the potential security vacuum. All articles agree that Lebanon faces a critical period of transition, with regional tensions influencing the decision. The articles differ slightly in their emphasis: The New Arab focuses on Germany's commitments, while The Independent stresses the geopolitical pressures and Lebanon's security concerns.
How we got here
UNIFIL has operated in southern Lebanon for nearly 50 years, monitoring the border and assisting Lebanese forces. The mission's mandate is ending in 2026, under pressure from the US and Israel, with Lebanon seeking a continued international presence. Recent conflicts between Israel and Hezbollah, along with Lebanese calls for stronger state authority, have shaped this transition.
Go deeper
More on these topics
-
Lebanon, officially known as the Lebanese Republic, is a country in Western Asia. It is bordered by Syria to the north and east and Israel to the south, while Cyprus lies west across the Mediterranean Sea.
-
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, or UNIFIL, is a UN-NATO peacekeeping mission established on 19 March 1978 by United Nations Security Council Resolutions 425 and 426, to confirm Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon which Israel had invaded five day
-
Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany, is a country in Central and Western Europe. Covering an area of 357,022 square kilometres, it lies between the Baltic and North seas to the north, and the Alps to the south.