Italy backs diplomacy to ease Lebanon tensions

Rome: The Italian Defence Minister, Guido Crosetto, stated on Wednesday that the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is the only factor preventing direct conflict in Lebanon.

He also emphasised that the soldiers could act as a “pacifying factor,” and called for the United Nations to take a more active role in addressing the crisis.

Minister Crosetto, alongside Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, spoke before the Foreign and Defence Committees of Italy’s Chamber of Deputies and Senate earlier in the day, reiterating Italy’s support for ceasefire efforts in both Lebanon and Gaza.

Possible contingent withdrawal. “In the interest of ensuring the safety of our troops, we are constantly ready to reassess the deployment of our national contingent,” stated Minister Crosetto.

He expressed frustration that UNIFIL has yet to meet the objectives outlined in Resolution 1701.

However, he reassured that the risk level for Italian soldiers “has not increased,” and highlighted that Italy’s presence in southern Lebanon continues to act as a deterrent against “senseless violence.”

He also confirmed that naval and air assets have already been placed on alert in case the government decides to extract the Italian contingent, should the situation.

Tajani advocates diplomacy. Deputy Prime Minister Tajani stressed that the demarcation of a land border is the central element of any sustainable agreement between Israel and Lebanon, referencing the maritime border agreement reached two years ago.

He reaffirmed Italy’s strong support for US Special Envoy Amos Hochstein’s efforts and insisted that the Lebanese armed forces must assert control over the entire country.

Tajani also noted that Israel had requested Italy maintain an open channel of communication, adding, “They are not the target of the Israeli offensive, and control of the territory should eventually be transferred to them.”

Meloni calls for restraint. On Tuesday evening, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni convened an emergency meeting to assess the situation and consider necessary actions.

A statement from her office condemned the Iranian attack on Israel, expressed deep concern over ongoing developments, and urged all regional actors to act responsibly and avoid further escalation.

The statement further noted, “Italy, as the current G7 president, will continue to pursue a diplomatic solution, aiming to stabilise the Israel-Lebanon border through the full implementation of Resolution 1701.”

PM Meloni hosted a virtual meeting with the G7 leaders this afternoon to discuss the current situation.