Italy is ready to lead a UN force in southern Lebanon if its European partners commit themselves to the operation.
Prime Minister Romano Prodi, asked by Israel's Ehud Olmert on Sunday to lead the new multinational force of up to 15,000 troops, sought French, German and Turkish assurances this weekend that Italy would not head into Lebanon alone.
"I understand we all have our problems, but we must go forward in unity," he was quoted as saying by Corriere della Seranewspaper in telephone calls to muster support.
But the centre-right opposition, mindful of public sensitivity to military casualties that forced Mr Prodi's predecessor, Silvio Berlusconi, to scale back Italy's presence in Iraq, said Rome's enthusiasm was unmatched by its neighbours.
"Chirac will send a few generals, Germany a launch or two, while we have to send troops dressed as kamikazes in the Italian flag," said Francesco Storace of the right-wing National Alliance.
The Italian government has approved sending up to 3,000 troops, making it the biggest contributor so far to the peacekeeping force that will try to uphold the current truce.
In contrast, France has scaled down its commitment to 200 troops for now, due to worries about the chain of command.
Turkey may be a major contributor, but like Italy, Spain and others it is awaiting clear rules of engagement by the United Nations.
Italy's commitment stems from its proximity to the Middle East and Mr Prodi's wish to reverse the isolation in Europe that Rome suffered as a result of the pro-US stance of Mr Berlusconi.
Italy hosted Lebanon crisis talks in July, but the meeting was criticised for not agreeing to call for an immediate ceasefire.