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- October 20, 202615°
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- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
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- October 20, 202615°
Italy reaffirms support for Lebanese army after UNIFIL mission ends
The post-UNIFIL period and cooperation between the two countries’ armies were discussed during Lebanese Army Commander Rudolf Haykal’s visit to Italy. Italy reiterated that Lebanon’s stability is a strategic priority and reaffirmed its support for the Lebanese army.
Lebanese Army Commander Rudolf Haykal discussed the period following the end of UNIFIL’s mandate and cooperation between the two armies with his Italian counterpart, Luciano Portolano, during a visit to Italy with a military delegation.
The meeting, held at the headquarters of the Italian Armed Forces Command at the Italian Ministry of Defence, addressed the latest developments in the region as well as efforts to strengthen military cooperation between Lebanon and Italy.
Italy supports Lebanon’s stability
Portolano described Lebanon’s stability as a strategic priority and highlighted the friendly relations between the two countries. The Italian commander underscored the Lebanese army’s central role in preserving security and stability and stressed the importance of support for the army.
The parties also discussed UNIFIL’s role, the Italian contingent serving with the force, Italy’s bilateral military mission in Lebanon and the work of the technical military committee established for Lebanon. Italy’s potential role in the post-UNIFIL period was also raised.
Haykal said he appreciated Italy’s support for the Lebanese army and thanked Portolano. Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also spoke with Haykal by phone during the visit and reaffirmed his support for the Lebanese army’s efforts.
Haykal meets Italian and Vatican officials
The Lebanese commander also met with Riccardo Guariglia, director-general at Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Cecilia Piccioni, the ministry’s director-general responsible for political affairs and international security.
Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin was also among the officials Haykal met. Parolin said peace must be established in Lebanon and highlighted the Lebanese army’s important role in safeguarding the country’s security.
UNIFIL mission set to end in late 2026
UNIFIL’s mandate in southern Lebanon is scheduled to end in late 2026. Lebanon supports the continuation of the force’s mission, viewing it as one of the elements contributing to stability in the south, while international discussions continue over the future and mandate of the mission.
These discussions coincide with efforts to establish security arrangements linked to the framework formula signed by Beirut and Tel Aviv on June 26. The arrangement envisages the deployment of the Lebanese army in these areas and the disarmament of armed groups in exchange for Israel’s gradual withdrawal from Lebanese territory.
According to the latest figures released by Lebanon’s Health Ministry this week, 4,350 people have been killed and 12,310 wounded in Israeli attacks on Lebanon since March 2. Israel is occupying some areas in southern Lebanon; some of these areas have been held for decades, while others have been under control since the 2023-2024 war.
During the latest attacks, Israeli forces advanced as far as 12 kilometers into Lebanese territory.
At the end of his visit, Haykal toured one of Italy’s defense industry centers and received information about the center’s operations and modern technologies.
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