Germany’s Multifaceted Peacekeeping Efforts: KFOR, EUFOR Althea, and UNIFIL

Germany’s Multifaceted Peacekeeping Efforts: KFOR, EUFOR Althea, and UNIFIL: In addition to its commitments in Kosovo (KFOR) and Bosnia and Herzegovina (EUFOR Althea), Germany has reaffirmed its dedication to peace in the Middle East by extending its participation in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mission. The German parliament has approved the continuation of the Bundeswehr’s involvement in UNIFIL for another year, until June 30, 2025, maintaining the current personnel cap of up to 300 German soldiers.

UNIFIL Mission Overview:

UNIFIL, one of the longest-running UN peacekeeping missions, began in 1978 to monitor the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. The German Navy has been part of UNIFIL’s Maritime Task Force (MTF) since 2006[1]. The mission’s primary objectives include:

1. Ensuring effective implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006)
2. Enhancing the resilience and capabilities of the Lebanese Armed Forces
3. Promoting peace in the region despite ongoing challenges
4. Preventing weapons smuggling by sea
5. Monitoring sea routes in a fragile security environment
6. Supporting the security of Lebanese borders, entry points, and trade routes, particularly the major ports of Beirut, Tripoli, and Sidon[1]

Current Situation:

The recent escalation of the Middle East conflict, particularly the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel and the intensifying conflict between Israel and Iran, has fundamentally altered the threat landscape in Lebanon. The security situation in the country is extremely tense, with:

1. A political vacuum and deteriorating state structures
2. Clashes between Israel and Hezbollah along the Blue Line (the demarcation line between Lebanon and Israel)
3. Ongoing impact from the Syrian conflict, with Lebanon hosting refugees from its neighboring country[1]

Germany’s Contribution:

The Bundeswehr’s involvement in UNIFIL includes:

1. Providing a ship or boat to the UNIFIL fleet
2. Offering training personnel to build the capabilities of the Lebanese Armed Forces, particularly in general seamanship and ship technology
3. Supplying staff to the UNIFIL headquarters
4. Leading the Maritime Task Force since 2021
5. Training the Lebanese Navy to eventually control their own sea routes and borders[1]

The German contribution focuses on capacity building for the Lebanese Armed Forces, emphasizing their ability to monitor maritime areas. Almost every currently active Lebanese naval soldier has had contact with trainers from the German Lebanon Command[1].

Significance of the Mission:

UNIFIL’s role has become even more critical since the deterioration of the security situation in the region. The mission serves to:

1. Monitor the situation in the area of operations
2. Strengthen the resilience of the Lebanese Armed Forces
3. Maintain low-threshold communication channels between Israel and Lebanon

As tensions persist in the region, the continued presence of UNIFIL remains essential. The German government and parliament will reassess the situation next year to determine if the mission should be extended beyond June 2025.

Germany’s Multifaceted Peacekeeping Efforts: KFOR, EUFOR Althea, and UNIFIL – Conclusion

Germany’s simultaneous involvement in KFOR, EUFOR Althea, and UNIFIL demonstrates its comprehensive commitment to peacekeeping and stability across multiple regions. These missions collectively contribute to promoting peace, supporting the development of local security forces, and fostering regional stability in some of the world’s most challenging geopolitical environments.

Source: BMVg

More information on the Bundeswehr at vernetztesicherheit.de can be found here.