France and Italy have approached the US and Israel with a request to take part in implementing the new memorandum of understanding with Lebanon. This comes in addition to efforts at the UN to renew the activity of UNIFIL under another name, ostensibly for the same purpose.
The proposal by the two countries and the UN focuses mainly on the trial included in the agreement between Israel and Lebanon. Under the understandings, the Lebanese Army is supposed to assume responsibility for clearing two designated areas of Hezbollah's presence and maintaining them as such. In light of past experience, there is considerable doubt over the Lebanese Army's ability to carry out the mission. France, Italy and the UN have offered to take part, ostensibly to help it do so.
Israel is far from enthusiastic about the idea, particularly when it comes to the UN and France. In recent years, the US and Israel have made major efforts to bring about the end of the operating mandate of UNIFIL, which has been stationed in southern Lebanon since 1978. The force has never succeeded in maintaining peace or preventing terrorist organizations from entrenching themselves. Against this backdrop, a UN Security Council resolution was passed several months ago that is meant to lead to the end of its activity.
France was among those opposed to shutting down UNIFIL. Paris has historically viewed itself as responsible for Lebanon, even though in practice it has not made any memorable contribution to improving the situation in the country since the previous millennium. In recent years, relations between Paris and Jerusalem have deteriorated, among other things due to harassment of Israeli defense industries and the anti-Israel moves of French President Emmanuel Macron. The assessment, therefore, is that Israel will oppose France's integration into the agreement.
By contrast, relations with Italy are better, and there is also a chance to repair ties with its prime minister, Giorgia Meloni. For that reason, it appears that in this case, the Israeli approach will be more open.
