These days we often talk about the Unifil mission, which in the acronym has “interim”, provisional, but which has lasted since 1978, and which was created by a UN resolution to create a ‘buffer’ in the so-called Blue Line, between Lebanon and south, Israel and a small piece of Syria. A mandate renewed several times, an interposition force that cannot start fighting. From August 2, 2024, Italy in this mission is represented by the Sassari Brigadeled by General Stefano Messina. These are 1,256 Italian soldiers out of approximately 10 thousand peacekeepers from 40 countries, with ours being the largest contingent after Indonesia. But our presence in the area is broader.
Palestinian police training
There is the multi-national training mission of the Palestinian policea European-led effort but with the support of the United States, Israel and the Palestinian Authority. It is based in Jericho, on the West Bank, one of the oldest cities in the world. A year ago, in the aftermath of the October 7 attacks, Defense Minister Guido Crosetto withdrew the contingent of 22 carabinieri who were involved in the mission.
Now, General Michael Fenzel, security coordinator for the American embassy in Israel, would like to revitalize this force so much so that he has asked Italy for 200 carabinieri, as confirmed yesterday at a hearing by Minister Crosetto. In the meantime, as far as Adnkronos understands, Army officers have arrived in Jerusalem who are discussing the possibility of an Italian command of this mission too, which would further increase our ‘standing’ in the region. Israelis and Palestinians, it appears, are in favor of this project.
Mibil – Lebanese regular army training
Italy is also involved in “Mibil”, the Italian bilateral military mission in Lebanon, as part of the International support group for Lebanon (Isg), also promoted by the UN. In particular, our armed forces are responsible for training the personnel of the Lebanese Regular Army (LAF).
Adnkronos sources explain that until 7 October there were around sixty Italian officers and non-commissioned officers, now the number has dropped to 15-20, but both Israel and Lebanon have asked our government not to interrupt it: the idea is that one day the Hezbollah militias, which has become a state (or a cancer, depending on your point of view) within the state, will have to leave control of the territory to the regular forces. The Military Technical Committee, made up of 8 nations (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Spain and the United States), in addition to training the Lebanese army, is also committed to supporting the local population, “key element to foster renewed trust in the work of the LAF”, we read on the Ministry of Defense website.
Multinational Force & Observers (Mfo)
Another historic mission, born in the same years as Unifil, is the land and naval one established after the Camp David agreements of 1978, for the maintenance of peace between Egypt and Israel. Located in the Sinai and the Red Seacontrols the border strip between the two countries and from the Mediterranean to Sharm el Sheik. Italy participates with a contingent also called Coastal Patrol Unit (CPU), which has been entrusted with the task of verifying freedom of navigation in the Strait of Tiran, which joins the Gulf of Aqaba to the Red Sea, and the areas adjacent to the strait.
This task is ensured with three Explorer-class coastal patrol vessels of the Navy. They have a crew of 14, including 2 officers and 12 non-commissioned officers, sub-chiefs and common officers. These ships have been used since their entry into service in this mission and have taken the place of old minesweepers that were used as patrol boats.
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