Italy has been in charge of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeeping mission’s ground forces since 2007.
“UNIFIL is not the objective of attacks, even if the increased level and intensity of clashes makes its accidental involvement possible,” noted Crosetto.
The withdrawal of the military contingent stationed in Lebanon “is not under discussion at the moment,” he added.
Crosetto added that the defence and foreign ministries have taken all necessary measures for a potential evacuation of Italian civilians in the country if the situation further deteriorates.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani on Saturday said he spoke with Israeli authorities regarding the security of Italy’s military personnel deployed in Lebanon.
“I have asked Israeli authorities to guarantee the security of all our military deployed in peace missions in Lebanon,” Tajani wrote on X.
“Israel responded positively to our request.
“I am continuing to follow, together with Palazzo Chigi, the developments of the crisis in the Middle East,” wrote Tajani.
Italy has over 1000 members of the military deployed with UNIFIL while approximately 200 others are in Beirut as part of the Italian Bilateral Military Mission in Lebanon.
ANSA
