France Caught between Keeping and Withdrawing Troops from UNIFIL

A debate has erupted in France between sides supporting the withdrawal of French troops from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon and others who advocate maintaining them.

Diplomatic sources told the Central News Agency on Tuesday that the former are questioning the purpose of retaining the troops in light of the repeated attacks against it by terrorist groups whose identity and goals remain unknown.

On the other hand, those supporting keeping the troops stated that they will help maintain Lebanon’s stability and security.

The sources voiced their concern that new attacks would take place against the troops “if the Lebanese security forces don’t take decisive measures to ensure UNIFIL’s safety.”

“Any new attack would shift the balance in favor of those seeking to withdraw the troops, especially since French soldiers participating in peacekeeping forces in other countries are also in danger,” they explained.

On July 26, a French UNIFIL patrol was attacked by a roadside bomb planted on a highway near the southern city of Sidon.

The Lebanese security forces have so far failed to apprehend those behind the assault.