Multilateral Efforts in the Middle East: The New ZIF Dashboard Provides an Overview

Historically, the Middle East has been one of the primary regions for international peace operations. Since the establishment of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO) in 1948, the field of multilateral operations has diversified significantly. Currently, 21 missions are active in the region.

Developments since October 2023 and the subsequent military conflicts—including the war in the Gaza Strip, the escalation in southern Lebanon, and the conflict between the US, Israel and Iran in June 2025—have fundamentally altered regional security structures. In its dashboard, ZIF systematically maps this restructuring and brings transparency to the various mandates and actor relationships.

Options for the Future of the International Presence in Lebanon

The debate regarding the successor to the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is also highlighted in the dashboard. Following the decisions on the UNIFIL withdrawal, UN Secretary-General António Guterres presented three options for a future UN presence to the UN Security Council in June 2026:

• Option 1 (up to 5,525 personnel): Four battalions, including a security reserve and an observer component, designed to monitor the area between the Blue Line and the Litani River.
• Option 2 (up to 3,370 personnel): Two battalions with reduced operational reach.
• Option 3 (up to 1,980 personnel): A significantly reduced presence with a restricted observation and reporting mandate.

Additionally, ZIF offers considerations for a planned civil-military EU mission for Lebanon, intended to complement UN structures and strengthen the Lebanese Armed Forces and police.

Outlook

As the German seconding agency responsible for the recruitment, training, and deployment of civilian personnel, ZIF provides decision-makers in the Federal Foreign Office, the German Bundestag and partner organisations at the United Nations and the EU with an evidence-based tool with this dashboard. ZIF will continue to monitor and analyse future realignments of civilian and military instruments in the region and accompany these developments through dedicated formats.

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