Italy has proposed replacing the United Nations peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon with a smaller but more capable international presence after the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) ends its mission, according to a four-page proposal obtained by LBCI.

The proposal envisions a multinational force with fewer personnel but greater operational effectiveness, focused on four main priorities: supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces, protecting civilians, supporting the mechanism for ending hostilities, facilitating coordination and de-escalation between the parties, and monitoring and reporting.

Italy says the initiative would draw on its longstanding experience with UNIFIL and its bilateral and multilateral cooperation with the Lebanese Armed Forces.

The proposal calls for the possible creation of a broader multilateral initiative that would operate in coordination and complementarity with whatever future United Nations framework is eventually established.

Under the Italian proposal, the international presence would support the Lebanese Armed Forces and help protect civilians, including by contributing to humanitarian efforts.

It would also support the mechanism for maintaining the cessation of hostilities. Where political agreements require it, the international presence could contribute to implementing disarmament measures agreed by the parties.

The other two priorities would be coordination and de-escalation between the parties, along with monitoring and reporting on developments on the ground.

Italy argues that the initiative should also involve the European Union, which would serve as a “force multiplier” by providing economic assistance, institutional support and programs to strengthen the capabilities of the Lebanese Armed Forces and other Lebanese security institutions.

Other international agencies operating in Lebanon would also be involved.

The proposal specifically calls for a stronger role for the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon (UNSCOL), particularly in coordinating U.N. activities related to the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701.

The Italian plan also envisages creating an “operational arm” within the Military Technical Committee for Lebanon, known as MTC4L.

Its responsibilities would be defined gradually, depending on the agreements reached by the parties and developments in the security situation.

Among the functions that could eventually be assigned to the operational arm is an “Accompany Function,” under which the international presence could accompany or support relevant activities on the ground.

The proposal does not set out all of the operational details at this stage, leaving the precise mandate to be developed as political agreements and security conditions evolve.

Italy says the multinational initiative should operate under a resolution adopted by the U.N. Security Council.

Such a resolution would provide the political legitimacy and legal foundation for the international presence while establishing the framework needed to coordinate its activities with the various multinational agencies operating in Lebanon.

The proposal therefore places the future international presence within a broader U.N.-backed framework rather than envisioning a standalone multinational deployment.

A central component of the proposed force would be its ability to maintain direct communication and coordination between the Lebanese Armed Forces and the Israeli military.

Italy proposes establishing a “Liaison Branch” capable of operating at both the operational and tactical levels.

The branch would serve as an intermediary between the two militaries, helping to reduce tensions and prevent direct friction between their forces.

It would also be expected to help prevent incidents involving military personnel and reduce the risk of confrontations between troops and civilians.

The proposal effectively assigns the future international presence a role as both a coordination mechanism and a buffer between the Lebanese and Israeli sides, particularly in areas where military activity and civilian movement overlap.