Israel says welcome to Muslim troops
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.As European nations agreed to form the backbone of an expanded UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon, Israel has been in touch with some Muslim countries to encourage them to participate.
Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Mark Regev said: "If Turkey decides to send a contingent, we would welcome that." He added that other countries have also been contacted.
Israel has said only countries that have diplomatic relations with it should participate, because otherwise it would be hard to share intelligence with the UN force. Jordan and Egypt also qualify.
Europe will send up to 6,900 troops to back 15,000 soldiers from the Lebanese army as they extend into south Lebanon - for now, Hizbollah territory - while Israel pulls its soldiers out. The Lebanese army, not the peacekeepers, is supposed to disarm Hezbollah.
France's General Jean Salvan, a former commander of peacekeepers in Lebanon, questioned the mission's potential effectiveness. "Hezbollah has had plenty of time either to hide its equipment very well or to bring it back to secure zones," he said. Peacekeepers are barred from such zones.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments