Increase the Italian contingent engaged in the bilateral mission in Lebanon , which now numbers around a hundred soldiers : the hypothesis was addressed in the talks held in Rome on March 1st by the commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces, General Joseph Aoun, and - as far as learns from informed sources - could be part of the further activities in support of the Beirut army to avoid an escalation on the southern border between the Hezbollah groups and Israel.
It is the scenario that Giorgia Meloni wants to avoid , as she also reiterated in yesterday's meeting with the outgoing Lebanese prime minister Najib Miqati in Beirut : first a conversation in the government palace, the Grand Serraglio, then the informal dinner at the prime minister's official residence .
Then, this morning, the visit to the Italian military base of Shamaa .
The Prime Minister's mission began on one of the bloodiest days since the conflict reignited: at least 14 victims, including the six killed (and others injured) in the Israeli raid in southern Lebanon, not far from Naqura military base, home to the headquarters of Unifil, the UN mission which also includes the Italian contingent with over a thousand soldiers. A cafe was hit in the town of Naqura, on the Mediterranean coast, close to the front line between Hezbollah and Israel.
De-escalation was at the center of the face-to-face meeting between Meloni and Miqati . The Prime Minister reiterated "Italy's desire to continue contributing to the security and stability of Lebanon, particularly in this historical moment". With a "clear message - explains Palazzo Chigi - on the need to avoid any risk of escalation along the border with Israel", between the Hezbollah groups and the Israeli army. A front that has become hot again after the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October. And this is also why Italian efforts are aiming for a ceasefire in Gaza, to avoid larger-scale consequences.
In the meeting with the Italian soldiers in Lebanon, the Prime Minister wanted to convey , particularly on the occasion of the upcoming Easter holidays, the gratitude and closeness of the Government and Italy for the commitment made in a significantly deteriorated security framework, to protect international peace and security, in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions. «You are not there during the holidays with your family, you are not there for your friends, your boyfriends and girlfriends, wives and husbands: you give up everything to guarantee that peace that so many, especially at this moment, fill their mouths with sitting comfortably from the sofa of their home", his words. «Because peace is not built with feelings and good words, peace is above all deterrence and commitment, sacrifice ».
(Unioneonline/vl)