EU seeks aid for Lebanon’s ISF

A newly circulated European Union (EU) document has revealed early deliberations on potential support measures aimed at strengthening Lebanon’s Internal Security Forces (ISF).

The discussions highlight an evolving European approach to Lebanon’s security sector, one that seeks to reduce pressures on the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) at a time when the country faces a fragile regional environment and a stalled political process.

As tensions persist along the Lebanon-Israel border and United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) prepares for a gradual withdrawal, Brussels is exploring how it can help Lebanon navigate a sensitive and complex security transition.

A shift toward supporting internal security

The EU paper, drafted by the European External Action Service (EEAS), outlines a set of preliminary options that could bolster the ISF’s capacity to manage domestic security responsibilities.

The intent is to allow the LAF to redirect its focus toward national defense priorities, including issues related to Hezbollah’s armaments. According to the document, the proposed assistance would revolve around advisory support, targeted training programs, and broader capacity-building initiatives designed to professionalize and modernize the ISF.

EU officials emphasized that the envisioned role does not involve replacing or absorbing the responsibilities of the UNIFIL. Instead, the bloc aims to support Lebanon ahead of UNIFIL’s expected mandate expiration at the end of 2026, followed by a year-long drawdown. The UN Secretary-General is expected to present a detailed transition plan in mid-2026, addressing operational risks associated with the peacekeeping force’s departure.

Planning ahead and deepening engagement

The document notes that EU-Lebanon consultations will continue, with a technical scoping mission scheduled for early 2026 to assess the country’s internal security needs. This step reflects increasing concern in Brussels about the delicate balance of security in Lebanon, where a 2024 truce with Israel remains tenuous and occasional Israeli airstrikes highlight the underlying volatility.

The discussion paper precedes a planned high-level EU-Lebanon meeting in Brussels on 15 December 2025, during which officials are expected to evaluate ways to reinforce cooperation. Among the priorities under consideration is enhancing the ISF’s presence and operational capability across both urban and rural areas, as well as improving the security of Lebanon’s land borders with Syria.

Regional diplomacy and verification mechanisms

The EU deliberations coincide with renewed diplomatic efforts by European actors. French President Emmanuel Macron’s special envoy, Jean-Yves Le Drian, visited Beirut this week to present a roadmap aimed at independently assessing Hezbollah’s potential disarmament. The proposal comes amid growing calls within Lebanon for a more effective mechanism to monitor the ceasefire along the southern border.

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam recently stated that Lebanon seeks a stronger verification system capable of evaluating both Israeli claims about Hezbollah’s rearmament and the LAF’s actions in dismantling military infrastructure. When asked whether Lebanon would accept American and French personnel as part of such a monitoring presence, Salam responded affirmatively.

While the EU’s considerations remain in the exploratory stage, the emerging framework signals a renewed European commitment to Lebanon’s long-term stability. By reinforcing the ISF and preparing for UNIFIL’s eventual drawdown, the EU is positioning itself as a key partner in supporting Lebanon’s security institutions at a pivotal moment. The months ahead will reveal how these ideas evolve, and whether they translate into a concrete strategy capable of addressing Lebanon’s multifaceted security challenges.