Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said Italy intends to keep a military presence in Lebanon even if UNIFIL leaves next year. Speaking on Tuesday, Crosetto said it would be “surreal” for the UN force to withdraw at a time of severe regional crisis.
Italy currently contributes more than 1,000 troops to UNIFIL, which has operated as a buffer between Israel and Lebanon since 1978. “UNIFIL has been in Lebanon for 47 years,” Crosetto said during a visit to Italian troops in Novo Selo, Bulgaria.
“If the UN makes a surreal decision, we do not intend to endorse it,” he added. Crosetto said Italy hopes any continued mission would remain under the UN flag. “If there isn’t a UN flag, there will be a European one,” he said.
“If there isn’t a European one, there will still be the Italian one,” he added, warning against abandoning Lebanon to renewed war or civil conflict.
No internal rift over Ukraine aid
Crosetto also dismissed claims of divisions within the government over continued military aid to Ukraine.
“There has never been disagreement over the Ukraine decree,” said the minister, a senior member of the Brothers of Italy party.
Deputy Premier Matteo Salvini has questioned ongoing support for Kyiv, arguing it could prolong the war triggered by Russia’s invasion.
Crosetto said legislation enabling further military aid would be presented by 29 December. “The measure was wrapped up weeks ago,” he said. The defence minister also warned of the risks of any future international peacekeeping mission in Gaza.
He said such a mission would be more dangerous than Afghanistan, where 53 Italian soldiers died between 2001 and 2021. “We are talking about an area that is not yet peaceful,” he said, citing active fighting, armed militias and underground weapons depots.
Asked about Italy’s role in a possible stabilisation force, Crosetto said no plan currently exists. “When projects arrive, we will decide our participation,” he said.
