Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni made a significant visit to Lebanon, becoming the first global leader to arrive in the country amid the growing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.
Meloni’s visit comes at a critical juncture, with Italy playing a crucial role in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), a peacekeeping mission caught in the escalating violence.
During her visit, Meloni emphasized the importance of protecting peacekeepers and strengthening UNIFIL’s presence, reiterating Italy’s commitment to maintaining stability in the volatile region.
Meloni’s Arrival and Diplomatic Talks in Beirut
Giorgia Meloni’s visit to Lebanon holds great diplomatic and symbolic significance. As the first international head of state to visit Lebanon following the resurgence of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, her presence signals Italy’s vested interest in regional stability. Upon her arrival at Beirut’s international airport, she was warmly welcomed by Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati.
This diplomatic meeting was crucial not only for discussing the current tensions but also for reaffirming the role of Italian troops within UNIFIL, stationed in southern Lebanon to oversee the 2006 ceasefire agreement between Hezbollah and Israel.
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In her joint press conference with Mikati, Meloni strongly condemned the ongoing attacks on UN peacekeepers. UNIFIL, which has long played a neutral role in overseeing the Israeli-Lebanese border, has found itself increasingly targeted in recent weeks.
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Italian peacekeepers, who form a substantial part of UNIFIL, have been directly impacted by the violence. Meloni’s speech focused on calling for the protection of these peacekeepers and ensuring their safety, emphasizing that the targeting of UNIFIL forces is “unacceptable.”
She urged all sides involved in the conflict to respect the UN mission’s neutrality and uphold the safety of international troops stationed in the area.
The Italian Prime Minister’s arrival also underscored Italy’s broader foreign policy goals in the Middle East. By stepping into Lebanon during such a critical period, Meloni reiterated her country’s commitment to ensuring peace and security in the region, as well as the importance of reinforcing diplomatic ties with Lebanon and the broader Arab world.
UNIFIL’s Role and Challenges Amid Renewed Violence
UNIFIL, established in 1978 following Israel’s initial invasion of Lebanon, has played an integral part in maintaining peace along the Israeli-Lebanese border. Comprised of approximately 10,000 troops from various countries, including around 1,000 Italians, UNIFIL’s mission has been to monitor ceasefire agreements and assist the Lebanese government in restoring authority over the border region.
However, recent escalations have tested the mission’s effectiveness and safety. Since the renewal of clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, UNIFIL has repeatedly found itself caught in the crossfire.
Just before Meloni’s visit, several incidents targeted UNIFIL peacekeepers, including an attack where Israeli forces allegedly fired at UN positions in southern Lebanon. Five peacekeepers were injured during these episodes, and Meloni highlighted these violations as a breach of the UN mandate.
She condemned the “shocking violations” and demanded explanations from Israeli forces, reaffirming her stance that the protection of UNIFIL soldiers is paramount.
One of Meloni’s central arguments during her talks with Lebanese leaders was the necessity of strengthening UNIFIL’s mandate while maintaining its impartiality. The Italian prime minister stressed that UNIFIL’s mission should return to its original purpose, which involves monitoring the ceasefire and facilitating cooperation between the Lebanese Armed Forces and international peacekeepers.
Meloni argued that any other military presence in the border areas would undermine UNIFIL’s mission and exacerbate tensions between the warring sides.
In recent years, Hezbollah’s military presence and influence in southern Lebanon have posed significant challenges to the peacekeeping force. Although UNIFIL’s role is to ensure that no military force other than the Lebanese army operates in the region, Hezbollah’s stronghold in the area has often led to confrontations and accusations of bias.
Meloni’s remarks about returning to UNIFIL’s initial mandate were a clear message to all parties involved that the peacekeeping force must be allowed to operate without interference, ensuring that its neutral stance is respected.
Italy’s Broader Role in the Middle East and Meloni’s Regional Diplomacy
Meloni’s visit to Lebanon is part of a broader regional engagement by Italy, aimed at addressing the escalating conflicts in the Middle East. Prior to her stop in Beirut, the Italian prime minister met with Jordan’s King Abdullah II in Aqaba, where they discussed the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict and joint efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza.
Meloni has taken a proactive approach in the region, recognizing the importance of Italy’s position as a member of the G7 and as a key European nation in mediating peace efforts.
During her meeting with King Abdullah, Meloni called for a coordinated international effort to bring about a ceasefire in Gaza, as well as to ensure the release of hostages taken by Hamas during the group’s October 7 attack on Israel.
She also made a bold statement regarding the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, claiming that his death would pave the way for a new phase in the Gaza conflict. These remarks highlight Italy’s strong stance against Hamas, while also emphasizing the need for diplomatic solutions to the broader conflict.
Italy’s involvement in the Middle East extends beyond Lebanon and Gaza. Over the years, Italy has maintained strong diplomatic and economic ties with various Arab states, and Meloni’s leadership has continued this tradition.
The visit to Lebanon reinforces Italy’s strategic role as a mediator in the Middle East, particularly in light of its position as the rotating president of the G7. As part of this influential group, Italy is well-placed to lead diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating conflicts and fostering cooperation between conflicting parties.
Meloni’s engagement with Lebanon, Jordan, and Israel signals a comprehensive approach to resolving tensions in the region. By visiting Lebanon during such a tense period, she has reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to peacekeeping and diplomacy in the Middle East.
Her statements regarding the protection of UNIFIL peacekeepers and the need for a stronger UN mandate reflect Italy’s broader foreign policy goals of ensuring stability and promoting peace through multilateral institutions.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s visit to Lebanon marks a critical moment in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. As the first world leader to visit the country since the escalation of hostilities, Meloni’s presence underscores Italy’s crucial role in UNIFIL and its broader commitment to Middle Eastern peace efforts.
Her call for protecting peacekeepers and strengthening UNIFIL’s mandate reflects a determined stance on maintaining regional stability.
Meloni’s visit also highlights Italy’s active diplomatic engagement in the Middle East, as evidenced by her discussions with Lebanese and Jordanian leaders regarding the broader Israeli-Hezbollah conflict and the Gaza war.
As Italy continues to play a leading role in the G7 and in multilateral diplomacy, Meloni’s efforts signal a renewed focus on international cooperation, peacekeeping, and conflict resolution in one of the world’s most volatile regions.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏