Towards an international force for Southern Lebanon? (Brigant)

Israeli Defense Minister Amir Peretz has stated that Israel would accept an international force operating in Souther Lebanon under NATO command to dismantle Hezbollah and establish control over the region for Lebanese forces. Such a force needs to be assembled and transported to the region which will take some time (ESISC).

Meanwhile the 'world' is calling for a ceasefire, whilst Northern Israel will remain under threat from the Hezbollah and offer the Hezbollah time to regroup and re-arm. Thus a ceasefire is impossible and 'pure suicide' unless the International force arrives and deploys. Suicide, is another term linking the Israeli-Hezbollah Crisis to Iran.

But as ESISC noted: Can European forces deploy and keep up their presence in other theatres of operations (such as Afghanistan and the Balkans). This international force will have to interposition itself between sides and be engaged against the Hezbollah, which could lead to fatalities on the coalition side but also result in terrorist attacks. ESISC did not mention the possible reaction of Iran if the EU states join the fray against the Hezbollah. ESISC also noted that the UN framework (UN peace keeping forces) hasn't really worked in the past.

Louis Michel, European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid meanwhile seems to have declared that one should not expect a European Union deployment as it will be 'difficult' to bring all 25 memberstates on one line. This is where the NATO framework comes into play and shows the immaturity of the ESDP (European Security and Defense Policy).

I believe that there should be an International force under NATO command, unless the Arab League can form an international force and deal with it themselves, although I can understand reluctance to the latter by Israel. Figures run into a 10 000 strong force.

I do not see which European countries could deploy without endangering its other commitments and having sufficient public opinion support. France being the formed colonial power might be useful, together with Germany (forming the basis of the 'EU army'). Turkish forces under NATO command would be interesting. It doesn't seem obvious that Spain or Italy might deploy.
France and Germany probably have their reservations as well, but they could use it to prove their European Army 'idea'. They want to lead the way, let them lead.

The Iranian aspect has been discussed in the past weeks. The G8 summit which should have given a warning to Iran suddenly got tangled into the Israeli-Hezbollah crisis. The guided missile that damaged the INS Spear a Israeli Sa'ar 5 class vessel was a C802 missile manufactured in Iran, designed in China.