Israel is considering the early deployment of a temporary international verification force in southern Lebanon as it prepares for the end of UNIFIL’s mandate later this year, according to a Channel 14 report.

UNIFIL’s operational mandate is scheduled to expire on December 31, after which the peacekeeping force is expected to begin an orderly withdrawal from Lebanon. Israeli officials reportedly want an alternative mechanism in place beforehand to prevent a security vacuum and avoid a renewed or expanded United Nations presence in the area.

Under the proposal being considered, the new multinational force could include countries such as Greece, Switzerland, Italy and Indonesia.

However, Israel has reportedly ruled out allowing France, Spain, Turkey and the United Kingdom to participate. Jerusalem’s position is that countries taking steps against Israel through hostile diplomatic measures, legislation or international legal proceedings should not be given a role in security arrangements directly affecting Israel.

The discussions come as Israeli military operations against Hezbollah continue in southern Lebanon and diplomatic efforts remain underway to disarm the terror group and expand the Lebanese Armed Forces’ presence and responsibilities in the area.

The report said direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon are expected to resume next week, with the proposed verification force and security arrangements for the post-UNIFIL era expected to be major topics in the talks.

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