Israel Prepares to Challenge French Proposal for European Force in Lebanon

Israel is expected to formally oppose a proposal by French President Emmanuel Macron to establish a new European military force in southern Lebanon. The initiative aims to replace the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, commonly known as UNIFIL, which is scheduled to expire at the end of 2026. A diplomatic source indicated that Jerusalem views the plan with skepticism, particularly as the United States explores different alternatives for the region.

Macron has been actively promoting a multinational force that could involve thousands of European troops. The goal is to support the Lebanese Armed Forces as they assume greater control over the border area. However, the proposal faces immediate hurdles from key European partners. Italy, which had previously supported the idea of an international coalition after UNIFIL's withdrawal, is reportedly reluctant to contribute troops to the specific framework advanced by Paris.

Three sources familiar with the discussions noted that the Italian government has not publicly commented on its stance. The details of the proposed force, including its size, mandate, and the specific countries participating, have not yet been finalized. This lack of clarity adds to the complexity of the negotiations as France seeks to prevent a security vacuum in the region.

The United States has indicated that a military replacement is not the only option. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed discussions with Macron regarding the future of UNIFIL. Rubio stated that the new arrangement does not have to be a military mission and could instead be a civilian one. Washington is working to create a credible verification mechanism to oversee the implementation of security agreements in southern Lebanon.

This verification mechanism would monitor the areas from which Israeli forces are withdrawing as Lebanese troops take over. It would also ensure that the militant group Hezbollah is prevented from returning to the region. Rubio emphasized that any new arrangement must be acceptable to both Israel and Lebanon. He acknowledged that France could play a constructive role but stressed the need for mutual agreement between the two neighbors.

US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz reinforced the American position by stating that UNIFIL in its current form will not continue. He explained that the administration is working with international partners to draw down the mission. The objective is to allow the Lebanese people to choose their own future and to enable the Lebanese Armed Forces to secure the nation.

The debate over UNIFIL's future occurs amid slow progress in implementing the US-brokered security agreement between Israel and Lebanon. That agreement, reached in June, links the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces to the deployment of Lebanese troops and efforts to disarm armed groups. Implementation has been slow beyond initial pilot zones, and recent talks in October ended without a consensus on how to move forward.

According to a UN Security Council resolution adopted in August 2025, UNIFIL's mandate expires on December 31, 2026. A phased withdrawal is expected to be completed within one year of that date. Some experts warn that replacing UNIFIL with another international military force risks repeating the shortcomings of the current mission. Simone Rodan-Benzaquen of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies argued that a new mandate would fail to prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding its presence, as the group had built up its military strength while UNIFIL was already on the ground.

Macron is pursuing this overseas military mission while France faces significant domestic challenges. Recent weeks have seen widespread demonstrations across France over rising living costs and public services. Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators participated in strikes and protests last Thursday, with clashes reported in Paris and Lyon. Additional violent incidents, including the burning of a school in southern France, have intensified pressure on the government.

The internal turmoil raises questions about France's ability to commit personnel and funding to another overseas operation without firm support from major European partners. The disagreement extends beyond participation and centers on whether a military deployment is necessary at all. For Israel, the central issue is whether a new arrangement would provide better security guarantees than UNIFIL or simply replace one international force with another without changing the strategic balance.