Lebanese President Joseph Aoun welcomed the EU's decision on Monday to establish a new three-year security support mission in Lebanon, amid reported US objections to the bloc's plans for a greater security role in the country.
The mission, approved by the Council of the European Union, aims to strengthen the Lebanese army and Internal Security Forces as the country prepares for the withdrawal of UN peacekeepers from its southern border with Israel.
The decision, announced on Monday, establishes the European Union Support Mission in Lebanon (EUSM Lebanon) for an initial three-year period, with the aim of supporting the country's stability, sovereignty and state institutions.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the mission would provide advice and assistance to Lebanon's security institutions to strengthen their control over the country's territory, border security and internal security.
"Europe is investing in Lebanon's future," Kallas said, describing the mission as a significant upgrade in security relations aimed at helping Lebanese state institutions restore full sovereignty and build lasting stability.
The mission will include civilian and military components operating under a unified political mandate, providing training and advice on border surveillance, intelligence gathering, reconnaissance, counter-smuggling operations, maritime security and cybercrime.
The military component will focus on strengthening the Lebanese army's capabilities in land border monitoring and control, maritime security and operational coordination.
The civilian component will provide specialised training and advice to the Internal Security Forces, including on cybercrime and counter-smuggling, while helping develop sustainable training structures.
It will also support security management at Lebanese ports, including the Port of Beirut.
The mission will contribute to the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which calls for the deployment of Lebanese government forces in southern Lebanon and the withdrawal of armed groups from the area.
It will also complement existing EU assistance through the European Peace Facility and coordinate with EU member states, the United Nations and other international partners supporting Lebanon's security sector.
The decision formally establishes the mission, although its deployment remains subject to further operational planning and a separate decision by the EU Council.
The announcement follows a visit to Beirut on 8 October by Kallas, who outlined plans for a European mission to strengthen Lebanon's security institutions.
Kallas stressed that the initiative was not intended to replace the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), whose current mandate is scheduled to end on 31 December, with a phased withdrawal expected over the following year.
US objections to European security role
However, the Lebanese news website Al-Modon reported on Monday that Washington had expressed objections in principle to the proposed European mission, citing sources familiar with discussions over Lebanon's future security arrangements.
According to the report, the US opposes establishing another international military arrangement resembling UNIFIL, preferring existing coordination mechanisms and a greater security role for the Lebanese army.
The reported disagreement reflects competing approaches to the international presence in Lebanon, with European governments seeking to maintain a role in supporting the country's security institutions as UNIFIL prepares to leave.
The reported American objections have not been independently confirmed, and there has been no indication that Washington has formally opposed Monday's EU Council decision.
Al-Modon also reported that discussions were underway over a separate monitoring committee potentially involving Italy, Switzerland and Jordan, although its composition and responsibilities had yet to be finalised.
The proposed committee would address questions surrounding the verification of security commitments, including the deployment of Lebanese forces, the withdrawal of Israeli troops and the monitoring of violations.
Israel has also opposed the deployment of a new international force to replace UNIFIL, favouring direct security coordination with the Lebanese army through US-backed mechanisms, according to Al-Modon.
The future of southern Lebanon's security arrangements remains contentious as Israeli forces continue to occupy positions inside Lebanese territory and carry out military operations despite agreements intended to secure their withdrawal.
Lebanese officials have repeatedly called for an international presence capable of monitoring violations and supporting the army's deployment across the south.
UNIFIL, established in 1978, has played a central role in monitoring the border area, documenting violations and coordinating with Lebanese forces.
Its departure raises questions about who will independently monitor the situation along the Blue Line, particularly as disputes persist over Israeli military activity, Hezbollah's weapons and the implementation of existing security agreements.
While the newly approved European mission is intended to strengthen Lebanon's security institutions, it will not assume UNIFIL's peacekeeping responsibilities, leaving the future of international monitoring in southern Lebanon unresolved.
