On December 18, 2024, Assistant Secretary of Defense (ASD) for International Security Affairs Dr. Celeste Wallander chaired a virtual G7 Defense Policy Directors' Working Group (PDWG) with her counterparts from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the European Union on coordinating and increasing support to the Lebanese Armed Forces.
This PDWG is an outcome of the G7 Defense Ministerial meeting hosted by Italy in October, when the G7 Defense Ministers agreed to form a sub-Ministerial working group on support to the Lebanese Armed Forces.
During the PDWG meeting, the participants affirmed the critical stabilizing role of the Lebanese Armed Forces and the importance of restoring security for the Lebanese people. They also acknowledged the important role of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in monitoring and verifying violations of UNSCR 1701.
ASD Wallander stated that the cessation of hostilities presents an historic and strategic opportunity to establish security and stability along the Blue Line. ASD Wallander also emphasized the Department of Defense's support to the Government of Lebanon and the Lebanese Armed Forces to monitor, verify, and assist in ensuring enforcement of the cessation of hostilities.
