Macron and Aoun discuss efforts to back Lebanon’s army, end Israeli attacks
Summary
Leaders from France, Lebanon, and Jordan met in Paris to seek international support for Lebanon’s army and discuss ending Israeli attacks. They also talked about creating a new peacekeeping force to replace the United Nations mission in southern Lebanon.Key Facts
- French President Emmanuel Macron hosted Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Jordan’s King Abdullah II in Paris for talks.
- The meeting aimed to support Lebanon’s military and strengthen the country’s control over its territory.
- A June agreement between Israel and Lebanon, mediated by the US, did not stop Israeli attacks or force Israel to withdraw from southern Lebanon.
- The talks included plans for a new international peacekeeping force to replace the UN’s Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) after its mission ends in 2026.
- Lebanon’s President Aoun emphasized that only the Lebanese state should have weapons and highlighted the army’s role in maintaining stability.
- The current Lebanese army is under-equipped and has struggled to disarm Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
- The meeting was joined by defense leaders from France, Lebanon, Jordan, the UK, Italy, the US, and Saudi Arabia.
- France and Italy want to form a multinational group to succeed UNIFIL, which currently has about 7,500 peacekeepers from 46 countries.
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