Beirut looks to Paris for support as negotiations with Israel near

Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam is set to meet French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday, April 21, to discuss ways to strengthen Beirut’s position ahead of possible direct negotiations with Israel, expected to take place in the United States later this week, as per Reuters.

Washington is due to host ambassador-level talks between Israel and Lebanon on Thursday, April 23. However, the precise objective of the discussions remains unclear — whether they are aimed at extending a fragile 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah, or at opening the door to broader, more substantive negotiations.

The situation on the ground remains tense. Israeli forces continue to occupy areas deep in southern Lebanon, seeking to establish a buffer zone to protect northern Israel from Hezbollah attacks. Hezbollah, for its part, insists it retains the “right to resist” what it describes as Israeli occupation.

Ahead of the Salam-Macron meeting, a French presidency official emphasised that Paris does not intend to position itself as a mediator in what are fundamentally bilateral and direct talks between Israel and Lebanon. However, the official underlined that France remains well placed to play a practical role in reinforcing the Lebanese government’s negotiating position and supporting its actions.

France, which has longstanding historical ties with Lebanon, has worked alongside the United States in efforts to de-escalate tensions, including brokering a ceasefire in 2024 and helping to establish a monitoring mechanism. Despite this, relations between Paris and Israel have deteriorated. Disagreements have centred on France’s stance regarding Gaza and the West Bank, its criticism that Israel’s actions in Lebanon are disproportionate, and its engagement with Hezbollah’s political wing.

Israel’s ambassador to Washington said last week that France should be excluded from any negotiations, arguing that Paris has “no positive influence.” While the United States continues to maintain contact with France, it has also sought to limit its involvement in the process.

European and Lebanese diplomats have expressed concern that if direct negotiations proceed, Lebanon’s government may be too weak to counter what they see as potentially unrealistic demands. This could heighten domestic tensions, particularly given Hezbollah’s refusal to engage in negotiations with Israel.

“We are trying our best to get them back into the discussions, but the U.S. and Israel are adamant not to include them,” a Lebanese diplomat said.

Lebanon’s credibility in negotiations has also been questioned following its inability to fully contain Hezbollah after the 2024 ceasefire. French diplomatic initiatives have repeatedly faced resistance from both Washington and Israel.

Paris argues that, unlike the United States, it maintains a significant presence on the ground in Lebanon, including around 700 peacekeepers serving with the United Nations. French officials contend that any future agreement would require a substantial international presence to ensure its implementation.

By Tamilla Hasanova