Italy pushes for stronger UN peacekeeping in Lebanon amid attacks
Italy criticizes Israelʼs actions against UN forces in Lebanon calling for a stronger UNIFIL mandate. The defense minister highlights the need to update UNIFILs operational capacity‚ while diplomatic efforts are underway to address regional tensions
Italys defense minister Guido Crosetto has spoken out against Israels recent actions towards the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) emphasizing the need to strengthen‚ not withdraw the peacekeeping mission. Speaking to parliament on 10/17/24 Crosetto stated‚ “Israel needs to understand that these (U.N.) soldiers are not working for any one side they are there to help maintain peace and promote regional stability“
The UNIFIL mission stationed in southern Lebanon to monitor the demarcation line with Israel has faced numerous challenges in recent weeks. Israeli forces have repeatedly fired at UNIFIL bases injuring several peacekeepers. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for UNIFIL to “get out of harms way“ temporarily‚ claiming the UN forces provide a human shield for Hezbollah
Italy a long-standing contributor to UNIFIL with a 1000-strong contingent‚ has evacuation plans ready if needed. However Crosetto advocates for updating UNIFILs mandate (last revised almost two decades ago) and enhancing its operational capacity. He suggests creating a rapid deployment force and providing more fire power to improve UNIFILs effectiveness
UNIFIL is a complex mission with a mandate that is difficult to implement‚ has inadequate rules of engagement and forces that are not equipped for the current conflict
European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has affirmed that UNIFIL will remain and continue its work despite the attacks. He noted that “the U.N. system is being attacked“ through these actions against UNIFIL
In an effort to address the situation Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is set to visit Beirut tomorrow becoming the first Western leader to do so since the recent surge in violence. Crosetto also plans to travel to Beirut and Tel Aviv next week underscoring Italys commitment to regional stability
The defense minister concluded “I believe that Lebanon is a key piece for the stability of the entire Middle East. If we cannot even find the strength to have a strong unified international action in a place like this we probably wont succeed anywhere“
