France and Italy propose multinational coalition for Lebanon following UNIFIL mandate expiration

French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced plans to form a multinational coalition to operate in Lebanon after the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mandate expires in December. The proposal was made during a bilateral summit in Antibes, France, aimed at strengthening diplomatic ties under the Quirinal Treaty. This new initiative seeks to support the Lebanese armed forces, maintain national sovereignty, and prevent regional escalation. The President of Lebanon, Joseph Aoun, welcomed the proposal as a gesture of international commitment to the country's security and stability. UNIFIL currently maintains approximately 7,500 personnel in the region. The transition is prompted by a UN Security Council decision from last August, influenced by U.S. pressure, to end the current peacekeeping mandate by the end of 2026, though the leaders are focused on preparations for the upcoming December shift. France and Italy emphasized the importance of avoiding a security vacuum in the region.