Italy Ready to Continue Support for Lebanon Without UNIFIL, Says Crosetto

Rome: Italy’s Defence Minister Guido Crosetto has announced that the country is prepared to continue its support for Lebanon independently, should the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeeping mission come to an end. This statement was made during a ceremony commemorating the 82nd anniversary of the failed defense of Rome.

According to Ansa News Agency, Crosetto emphasized Italy’s commitment to maintaining its presence within the framework of the UN mandate for as long as possible. However, he asserted that if the UN decides to withdraw the mission, he would propose to the Italian parliament that the bilateral mission be extended. “You don’t abandon a people,” Crosetto remarked, highlighting Italy’s dedication to Lebanon’s stability and safety.

Crosetto elaborated that Italy’s involvement in Lebanon was driven by its belief in the mission’s usefulness and expressed confidence in Italy’s ability to continue its support independently of the UN force. With over 1,000 troops currently contributing to UNIFIL, Italy is ready to assume responsibility and act unilaterally if necessary, as part of its broader commitment to international peacekeeping and regional stability.