Lebanon signals openness to continued European military presence After UNIFIL drawdown

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has expressed support for maintaining the presence of French and other European troops in southern Lebanon following the planned withdrawal of the UNIFIL mission at the end of the year.

According to a statement from Aoun’s press office on X, the Lebanese president made the remarks during a meeting with General Vincent Giraud, Chief of Staff to the President of France, Caliber.Az reports.

رئيس الجمهورية العماد جوزاف عون خلال استقباله رئيس اركان رئيس الجمهورية الفرنسية الجنرال Vincent Giraud:
- لبنان يقدر عالياً الجهود التي يبذلها الرئيس الفرنسي إيمانويل ماكرون لمساعدة لبنان في مواجهة الأزمة الراهنة التي يعيشها نتيجة استمرار الاعتداءات الاسرائيلية على أراضيه،… pic.twitter.com/OliB6paBIi

— Lebanese Presidency (@LBpresidency) May 5, 2026

Aoun welcomed ongoing French diplomatic and security engagement in Lebanon, and praised the efforts of French President Emmanuel Macron in supporting Beirut amid continued instability in the south of the country.

“We highly appreciate the efforts of French President Emmanuel Macron to assist Lebanon in overcoming the current crisis caused by ongoing Israeli attacks on its territory and the current military escalation in the south. The talks he regularly holds with the French president reflect a commitment to supporting Lebanon in ending hostilities and providing assistance in all areas," the press service said. 

He added that Lebanon welcomes the willingness of France and other European countries to potentially continue deploying troops in the south after UNIFIL begins its withdrawal, noting that such forces could assist the Lebanese Army in maintaining security and stability. The exact framework for any continued presence, he said, would be determined through consultations with participating countries and the United Nations.

“We attach great importance to holding a conference in support of the army and internal security forces, as well as a conference on the country’s reconstruction,” the statement added.

Aoun also expressed condolences over the deaths of French soldiers serving in the UNIFIL mission and called for continued judicial action and investigation to identify those responsible.

By Sabina Mammadli