Since the terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel on 7 October 2023, the Middle East has experienced violence and there is a danger that this conflict could spread to the wider region. The contribution to the UNIFIL mission is all the more important in this situation: UN peacekeeping soldiers are being deployed to foster stability and de-escalation at the border between Lebanon and Israel. Their mission is to monitor the ceasefire between the two countries. What makes that mission so valuable is that it has direct channels of communication with both Israel and Lebanon. It can thus support international mediation efforts. Furthermore, UNIFIL is supporting state structures in Lebanon, for example when it comes to securing the borders. The German Bundestag has extended the Bundeswehr mandate for this important mission by a further year until 2025.

How is the German Government supporting this mission?

Germany has been participating in the UNIFIL peace mission since 2006. The objective is to prevent arms smuggling by sea and to enable the Lebanese armed forces to monitor the country’s sea border on their own. The core element of Germany’s contribution is its ongoing participation in the UNIFIL Maritime Task Force. It has even commanded the Task Force for periods. Germany is also supporting the Lebanese armed forces by providing training, in particular for the navy. The upper limit for German personnel participating in the mission is currently 300 soldiers.

What other assistance is Germany providing for Lebanon?

Lebanon finds itself in the midst of a grave economic and political crisis which is having a huge impact on the daily lives of the population. Due to this tense situation, it is important for the country to swiftly appoint a successor to President Aoun, whose term already ended on 31 October 2022. Together with other partners, Germany is calling for an end to the ongoing political stalemate so that durable political and economic reforms can be implemented, for example the bank reform blocked in Parliament.

Lebanon is doing a tremendous job when it comes to taking in refugees. For many years now, Germany has provided substantial humanitarian assistance, both for Syrian refugees in Lebanon and for Lebanese families and internally displaced persons particularly in need. After the United States, Germany is the second largest donor of humanitarian assistance for vulnerable groups, including Syrian and Palestinian refugees, as well as for host communities. In addition to this, there are several projects in the spheres of stabilisation, cultural relations and education policy as well as ownership, especially with regard to border management. Acute crisis management as well as support for refugees, host communities and vulnerable groups within the Lebanese population are also addressed by Germany’s development cooperation. The long-term aim is to create economic and employment opportunities in Lebanon for the population.