Defence Minister Boris Pistorius believes that, following the end of the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Germany must continue its commitment to strengthening the Lebanese armed forces.
The stabilization of Lebanon remains “in all our interests,” Pistorius said Thursday during a Bundestag debate on the planned final extension of the mandate for the deployment of German UNIFIL soldiers.
“The development of capable Lebanese armed forces remains crucial to this.,” he said, adding German involvement would need to be discussed in the parliament or Bundestag.
In August 2025, the UN Security Council decided to end the entire UNIFIL mission. It was launched in 1978 to monitor the border area between Israel and Lebanon.
Currently, 10,000 soldiers are still involved. Following their withdrawal, the Lebanese army is to take control.
The German government intends to extend the German Navy’s deployment off the coast of Lebanon one last time until June 30, 2027 and is asking the Bundestag for its approval.
Defence Minister mentions the Strait of Hormuz
Pistorius emphasized that, beyond UNIFIL, Germany’s engagement in the region would be crucial, particularly in Strait of Hormuz. Mutual Iranian and US blockades have brought maritime traffic there to a virtual standstill. The strait is key for global energy and trade. “That is why a multinational mission to secure the sea lanes is fundamentally in our strategic interest,” he said.
But the German Armed Forces can only participate when the war is permanently over, with US involvement and Bundestag approval, he added.