Berlin, July 17 (SANA) Germany has proposed establishing a European Union-mandated force in Lebanon to replacethe United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)after its mandate expires, in an effort to prevent a security vacuum.German Foreign MinisterJohann Wadephulsaid the European Union should consider options to ensure continued security in Lebanon through a European mandate following the end of the UN mission, Reuters reported on Friday.Wadephul described Lebanon, under a stable government, as “one of the most promising developments in the region,” saying an EU-backed force could help create conditions for the withdrawal of Israeli forces and prevent the return of Hezbollah.UNIFIL’s current mandate is set to expire on Dec. 31, 2026. The German parliament recently extended Berlin’s participation in the peacekeeping mission.The proposal comes afterUN Secretary-General Antonio Guterressaid in June that an international military presence should remain in Lebanon after the end of UNIFIL’s mission in southern Lebanon.UNIFIL has operated in Lebanon since 1978 and includes more than 7,000 peacekeepers from 47 countries. Its mandate was extended under a UN Security Council resolution adopted in August 2025.