ROME / BEIRUT — Italy has outlined its strategic vision for Lebanon's future at the end of the UNIFIL mission mandate. According to Lebanese broadcaster LBCI, which reviewed a four-page official Italian document, Rome aims to promote a multilateral initiative for a leaner yet highly operational international presence, designed in coordination with the future United Nations framework and based on a UN Security Council resolution to ensure its political legitimacy and legal coverage.

The four pillars of the Italian proposal

Rome's plan focuses on four fundamental operational priorities:

1. Support for Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and civilian protection, including through humanitarian assistance.
2. Support for the ceasefire mechanism, including – where there is political agreement – support for the implementation of any future disarmament measures.
3. Facilitation of coordination and de-escalation between conflicting parties.
4. Constant monitoring and reporting of the situation on the ground.

Drawing on its extensive experience gained from the UNIFIL mission and its consolidated bilateral and multilateral cooperation with the Lebanese army, Italy intends to weave a network of international collaboration that operates in parallel with the UN framework.

The role of the European Union and UNSCOL

In the Italian design, the European Union is called to play a leading role, acting as a "force multiplier". The EU would be tasked with providing economic assistance, institutional support and targeted capacity-building programs for the Lebanese Armed Forces and other security institutions in the country.

Alongside the EU, the plan includes strengthening other international agencies present on the territory, primarily the Office of the Special Coordinator of the United Nations for Lebanon (UNSCOL), whose role would be enhanced especially in synchronizing UN activities related to the implementation of the historic resolution 1701.

An "operational arm" and a liaison branch on the ground

One of the most relevant technical elements of the proposal advanced by Rome concerns the establishment of an "operational arm" within the Military Technical Committee for Lebanon (MTC4L), whose competencies would be progressively expanded also through accompanying functions, based on the evolution of agreements and the situation on the ground.

In southern Lebanon, the new multinational presence would assume a crucial role of liaison and coordination at the operational and tactical level. Through a dedicated Liaison Branch, the objective is twofold: to facilitate direct communications between Lebanese and Israeli armed forces to defuse tensions before they escalate, and to act as a buffer mechanism and coordination tool to prevent friction between the two sides, drastically reducing the risk of incidents affecting troops and civilians.

Source: LBCI