French sources told The New Arab that Paris is acting on multiple levels. [Getty]
France is stepping up diplomatic efforts to prevent all-out war on Lebanon. Paris has held talks with US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and consulted with Lebanese officials, though no tangible progress has been reported so far.
French sources told The New Arab that Paris is acting on multiple levels.
First, diplomatically, France is attempting to find a solution before the situation deteriorates further, amid rapid military developments and the sensitive nature of the crisis.
Second, on the humanitarian front, France is preparing a package of aid that will soon reach Lebanon to support displaced persons.
Third, it is intervening practically and militarily to support the Lebanese army, particularly after the postponement of a conference scheduled for yesterday, 5 March, dedicated to its assistance.
“A French initiative is underway, highlighted by the visit of French Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Fabien Mandon, sent by President Emmanuel Macron, to Beirut. During his meetings with President Joseph Aoun and Army Commander General Rudolph Heikal, he confirmed Paris’s efforts to help Lebanon. However, the current situation differs entirely from the last war before the ceasefire in November 2024,” the sources added.
“There is a strong emphasis on direct support for the Lebanese army to carry out its duties in maintaining security and overseeing security operations in Lebanon. This represents a major shift away from diplomatic political initiatives. Support will not be limited to moral or humanitarian aid but will be provided on the ground for the Lebanese army. France is intervening clearly in this regard to protect Lebanon and attempt to cool tensions along the Lebanese front and keep it removed from regional conflicts,” the sources said.
The sources stressed that “ideas are being proposed and both Israeli and Lebanese demands are being considered to establish a framework for negotiations. Based on current realities, no quick solution is expected. Nevertheless, the momentum points toward a resolution, at least a temporary ceasefire, possibly for a month, during which serious negotiations could occur without compromise or evasion regarding Hezbollah’s weapons. We are now at a stage where there is no room for delay, ambiguity, or excuses previously relied upon by Lebanon. The requirement is clear and non-negotiable: a full halt to Hezbollah’s military activities, limiting it solely to political work.”
“The negotiation ceiling is very high and involves both sides, not just Israel, and there are currently difficulties in reconciling positions,” the sources noted.
Separately, French sources told The New Arab that “France is preparing an immediate humanitarian aid package for Lebanon, including tonnes of medicines and shelter supplies to support displaced persons and assist them under these delicate circumstances. Distribution is expected to begin next week.”
Additionally, the French source noted “there is direct support for the Lebanese army to compensate for the postponed Paris conference, providing armoured transport vehicles along with operational and logistical support to carry out its duties on the ground, alongside France’s role with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).”
“France’s efforts will continue through visits and communications. Lebanon and its people mean a great deal to France, and it hopes its initiatives will succeed despite difficulties and complexities. We reiterate the call for Hezbollah to cease fire toward Israel and for Israel to refrain from any ground operations or broad military actions in Lebanese territory,” the sources emphasised.
Yesterday, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun asked French President Emmanuel Macron to intervene to prevent attacks on the southern suburbs after Israeli army threats against residents. He also requested immediate steps to stop hostilities.
Field developments in Lebanon are accelerating as Israel intensifies attacks on its territory, conducts ground incursions, and imposes new, more dangerous conditions, including forcibly evacuating areas, as occurred yesterday in southern Beirut suburbs and the Bekaa region.
Hezbollah is simultaneously increasing military operations against Israeli positions, with direct clashes reported in the Khiam area.
According to the latest tally from the Lebanese Ministry of Health, Israeli attacks from Monday through Thursday have killed 123 and injured 683, while the number of displaced persons in shelters has risen to over 90,000.
On the official Lebanese level, sources told The New Arab that “Lebanese officials are conducting intensive diplomatic contacts to pressure Israel to halt escalation in the southern suburbs and across Lebanon.”
“Macron has promised to intervene to help find a solution, with proposals for a temporary ceasefire, possibly for a month, during which negotiations could be intensified. However, nothing positive has yet been achieved, and efforts continue,” the sources added.
The sources stressed that “the Lebanese state remains committed to negotiations, viewing them as the only path to resolution.”
Furthermore, the sources noted that “Lebanon seeks negotiations and, in diplomatic contacts, reaffirms its insistence on keeping weapons under state control. It has already banned all Hezbollah security and military activities and continues to do so legally and operationally. Army efforts to consolidate state control over weapons will intensify nationwide, with essential external support for the military to perform its duties properly. Hezbollah must not engage in any activity threatening Lebanon or other regions.”
“Lebanon insists on Israel’s withdrawal from all occupied points and cessation of all attacks on Lebanese territory, including air, land, and sea violations. The situation that existed from the November 27, 2024, ceasefire until last Monday cannot be restored. A complete halt to hostilities is required, alongside the release of Lebanese prisoners in Israeli jails. Steps must be taken by both sides, not Lebanon alone,” the source concluded.
Article translated from Arabic by Afrah Almatwari. To read the original, click here.
