Last extension of the Bundeswehr mission in Lebanon

The Bundestag has decided to continue the participation of armed German forces in the “United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon” (UNIFIL) for the last time. The mission supports Lebanon, among other things, in securing its maritime borders and is intended to prevent arms and other defense material from entering the country without the consent of the Lebanese government. The mandate was last extended in June 2025. Up to 300 soldiers should continue to be deployed until December 31, 2026. Its tasks include, in particular, sea-based reconnaissance and surveillance, securing the Lebanese coast and coastal waters, controlling maritime traffic and supporting and training the Lebanese armed forces. A wind-down phase is planned after the UNIFIL operational mandate expires at the end of 2026. For this period until June 30, 2027, up to 80 soldiers should be able to be deployed to support the redeployment of German forces and the handover of material and infrastructure. The federal government estimates the operational-related additional expenditure to be around 42.8 million euros for the period from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027. There is a recommendation for a resolution from the Foreign Affairs Committee regarding the Federal Government's application, which was voted on by name and in which the acceptance of the application is recommended. The Budget Committee also looked at the financial impact of the operation. The recommendation and thus the extension of the deployment were approved with 511 yes votes. 67 MPs voted against it. There were four abstentions, three from the AfD faction and one from Corinna Rüffer from the ALLIANCE 90/THE GREENS faction.

Vote breakdown