EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, announced that European leaders are exploring with Lebanon the possibility of deploying a new European force to replace the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), with the aim of supporting the Lebanese army in its security responsibilities.

Kallas stated that discussions focused on what the European Union can offer Lebanon in the coming phase, noting that UNIFIL’s mission is approaching its end, which necessitates alternative arrangements on the ground.

She added that the Lebanese Armed Forces require additional support, particularly in asserting control and maintaining internal stability, given the current security challenges.

Kallas also revealed that EU foreign and defense ministers have discussed the possibility of forming a new force with a different mandate than the current one, to be deployed following the end of UNIFIL’s mission.

In a related development, US President Donald Trump announced the extension of the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, which began on April 16, for an additional three weeks.

Despite the extension, Israeli military operations continue in various parts of southern Lebanon, highlighting the fragility of the truce and ongoing tensions in the region.