Germany Sends Troops to Aid UNIFIL in Lebanon

Strategic Insights -

German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced Wednesday that the country will deploy troops to aid the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, a move that marks the first German military deployment in the Middle East since World War II. The mission, which includes a maximum of 1,500 German sailors and 900 soldiers as reserves, aims to secure the Lebanese coast and prevent weapons smuggling to Hezbollah. The German contribution will be led by the country's defense minister, Franz Josef Jung, and will involve training Lebanese customs and military personnel.

Key Takeaways:

  • The German deployment will include a maximum of 1,500 sailors and 900 soldiers as reserves, totaling 2,400 soldiers.
  • The mission will be led by Germany, with the cooperation of Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, and Dutch navies.
  • The German troops will not include ground troops, with only officers training Lebanese personnel to be allowed to set foot on land.
  • The mission will have a robust mandate, allowing German ships to pursue, stop, and board any vessel from 50 nautical miles off the coast to the shorelines.
  • The Lebanese government had imposed preconditions for a German contribution, which were later dropped after intense talks between Berlin, the U.N., and other governments.
  • The mandate will run for roughly a year and end on August 31, 2007, with a cost to Berlin of $245 million.
  • The mission aims to successfully implement U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 and pave the way for long-lasting stability and peace in the region.

Statistics:

  • 1,500 German sailors will be stationed on two frigates, four speedboats, and two logistics ships.
  • 900 soldiers will be part of the mission as reserves, with roles in air supply, manning the command task force, and training Lebanese personnel.
  • 2,400 soldiers overall will be involved in the German contribution to the UNIFIL mission.
  • The mission will cost Berlin $245 million.
  • 64 percent of Germans are against sending troops, according to a recent poll.

Sources:

  • UPI: "German Cabinet Approves UNIFIL Deployment" (no date)
  • Reuters: "Germany to send troops to Lebanon" (no date)
  • BBC: "Germany to send troops to Lebanon" (no date)