The UN Security Council voted in August to allow only one final extension for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) until Dec. 31, 2026, following pressure from Israel and the United States to end the mandate although Lebanon had wanted the force to stay.

"Even after UNIFIL, Italy will continue to do its part, supporting with conviction the international presence and supporting the capacity development of the Lebanese armed forces," Crosetto said during a visit to Lebanon, according to a statement.

A ministry spokesperson confirmed to AFP that this meant Italy intended to maintain its own military footprint in the country.

UNIFIL has acted as a buffer between Israel and Lebanon since 1978, remaining after Israel ended an occupation of southern Lebanon in 2000. The force is currently led by Italian Major General Diodato Abagnara and comprises 9,923 troops from 49 countries. Italy is the second-largest contributor with 1,099 soldiers, following Indonesia with 1,232.

The Italian decision comes as the Lebanese national army deploys in the south under a November 2024 ceasefire that halted Israel's war against Lebanon last year. Despite the ongoing truce, more than 340 people have been killed in Lebanon by Israeli fire since the deal took effect, according to an AFP tally of health ministry reports.

Israel also continues to occupy five areas in south Lebanon in violation of the US-brokered truce. Beirut has demanded that Israeli forces fully withdraw from its southern territory as agreed under the ceasefire involving Hezbollah, noting that the Lebanese military can only fully deploy once the Israeli army has withdrawn.

"Support is needed to strengthen the Lebanese armed forces, so that they are in the best possible position to defend the country, ensuring security and respect for its borders," Crosetto said. "We will guarantee our presence in multilateral and bilateral contexts."

*This story was edited by Ahram Online.

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