PARIS – Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam meets French President Emmanuel Macron on April 21 to strategize strengthening Beirut’s position ahead of U.S.-hosted ambassador-level talks with Israel on April 23, as Lebanon leans on a key European ally amid fragile ceasefires and southern occupation.
The discussions aim to fortify Lebanon’s leverage in potential direct negotiations, whose goals, extending the 10-day Israel-Hezbollah truce or deeper accords, remain vague. Israeli forces hold deep southern buffers against Hezbollah threats, while the Iran-backed group asserts resistance rights.
France, with historical ties and 700 UN peacekeepers, positions itself to practically empower Beirut’s government, not mediate directly, a presidency official stressed. Paris co-brokered the 2024 ceasefire and monitors it, despite soured Israel ties over Gaza criticism, Lebanon “disproportion,” and Hezbollah political contacts, prompting Israel’s U.S. ambassador to bar France from talks.
U.S. efforts sideline Paris, but European and Lebanese diplomats warn weak Beirut risks folding to harsh demands, stoking domestic rifts given Hezbollah’s negotiation refusal. A French soldier’s recent Hezbollah-attributed death underscores risks; Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri cautioned April 21 that non-withdrawing Israelis face resistance.
France highlights its ground presence for any deal’s implementation, countering doubts over Lebanon’s post-2024 control.