BEIRUT — On Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron engaged in discussions with Joseph Aoun, Lebanon’s newly elected president, expressing France’s commitment to support the nation as it navigates recovery from a deep-seated economic crisis and the recent 14-month conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
Macron’s visit marks his first trip to Lebanon in over four years, coinciding with a ceasefire agreement that commenced on November 27, aimed at halting the hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. France played a significant role in facilitating this ceasefire, with a French officer participating in the oversight committee.
The ceasefire agreement also brought an end to a political deadlock that had left the Lebanese presidency vacant for over two years, enabling the election of Aoun and paving the way for prominent jurist and diplomat Nawaf Salam to be appointed as prime minister. Salam is currently working on forming a new government.
The Lebanese government is optimistic that this political development will enhance international confidence, enabling the release of essential funds for reconstruction efforts following the conflict that resulted in over 4,000 fatalities and more than 16,000 injuries in Lebanon. An international conference held in Paris in October succeeded in securing $1 billion in pledges for humanitarian assistance and military support.
During a joint press conference with Aoun, Macron emphasized France’s ongoing commitment to Lebanon, expressing hope that the new government would signify a transformative period characterized by improved political behavior and the restoration of state power for the benefit of all citizens. Aoun expressed his gratitude, asserting that the confidence of the Lebanese populace in their government and country has been revitalized. “The real Lebanon has come back,” he stated.
Upon his arrival at Beirut’s international airport, Macron was welcomed by caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati. He announced that France would be adding around 80 experts to the existing contingent of 750 French troops stationed in southern Lebanon as part of a United Nations peacekeeping operation along the Israeli border. “This is a message of gratitude,” Macron shared with the media.
Macron later explored various parts of Beirut, engaging with locals and even taking selfies with them before heading to the presidential palace for discussions with Aoun, Mikati, and parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. He reported that two-thirds of the pledges made during the Paris conference have been fulfilled, with France contributing 83 million euros out of the 100 million promised.
Despite his supportive stance, Macron has been a vocal critic of Lebanon’s political leadership, which many believe is responsible for the widespread corruption and mismanagement leading to the dire economic situation that escalated in October 2019, described by the World Bank as one of the worst crises in a century. Reform efforts by Lebanese officials have been minimal since then.
Both Aoun and the prime minister-designate have committed to addressing the economic turmoil and reinstating state control in regions historically influenced by Hezbollah. The recent conflict has weakened Hezbollah, which backed alternative presidential and prime ministerial candidates but eventually endorsed Aoun and chose not to name Salam for the prime ministerial role.
Mikati relayed after the meeting at the airport that Macron assured his support for the new government. He mentioned Macron’s planned discussions with U.S. and French officials responsible for the ceasefire monitoring and subsequent engagements with other Lebanese leaders. In response to questions about whether France could assure Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon by the end of the ceasefire, Mikati stated that this topic had not been addressed, although follow-ups are being conducted with U.S. counterparts.
Macron noted that while some progress had been achieved regarding the ceasefire, further efforts were necessary. He asserted the need for a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces and emphasized the importance of the Lebanese army achieving a monopoly on weapons. “The ceasefire marked the end of an unbearable spiral of violence… This is a precious diplomatic success that has saved lives and that we must consolidate,” he remarked.
The last time Macron visited Lebanon was in August 2020, shortly after a catastrophic explosion in Beirut’s port that claimed over 200 lives and injured countless others.
