Lebanon’s prime minister met French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday to discuss strengthening Beirut’s position ahead of possible direct talks with Israel in the U.S. later this week.
"France’s role is not to insert itself between the parties in discussions that are, by nature, bilateral and direct," a French presidency official said ahead of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s meeting with Macron.
"France is one of the countries capable of playing a very concrete role in strengthening the Lebanese government’s hand and supporting its action in practical terms."
France, which has deep historical ties with Lebanon, has sought alongside Washington to mediate in the conflict, brokering a ceasefire in 2024 and helping establish a mechanism to monitor it.
However, relations with Israel have soured over France’s stance on Gaza and the West Bank, its accusations that Israel’s actions in Lebanon are disproportionate, and its contacts with Hezbollah’s political wing.
Israel’s ambassador to Washington said last week that France should be excluded from any talks, describing Paris as having "no positive influence."
The U.S., while maintaining contact with France on the issue, has also sought to marginalise its role.
The U.S. is hosting ambassador-level talks with Israel and Lebanon on Thursday, although it remains unclear whether the objective is to extend a fragile 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah or pave the way for deeper negotiations.
European and Lebanese diplomats say they fear that if direct negotiations begin, Lebanon’s government could be too weak to resist unrealistic demands, potentially fuelling domestic tensions given Hezbollah’s refusal to negotiate with Israel.
"We are trying our best to get [France] back in the discussions, but the U.S. and Israel are adamant not to include them," said a Lebanese diplomat.
Lebanon’s inability to rein in Hezbollah following the 2024 ceasefire has raised questions about Beirut’s credibility in negotiations. France has put forward initiatives only to be rebuffed by the U.S. and Israel.
Paris argues that, unlike Washington, it has a significant presence on the ground in Lebanon, with some 700 UN peacekeepers and that any peace deal would still require a substantial international presence to implement it.
A French soldier was killed in southern Lebanon this week in an attack the French government said was carried out by Hezbollah.
Meanwhile, Lebanon’s parliament speaker warned on Tuesday that Israeli forces occupying parts of the country’s south would face resistance if they fail to withdraw, signalling a risk of renewed confrontation.
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