BEIRUT — On Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron engaged in discussions with Lebanon’s newly appointed President Joseph Aoun, reaffirming France’s commitment to assist the nation in navigating its ongoing recovery from a significant economic downturn and the recent protracted conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. This marks Macron’s first visit to Lebanon in over four years, occurring shortly after a ceasefire agreement came into effect on November 27, which aims to halt hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. France played a pivotal role in facilitating this ceasefire, with a French officer participating in the committee overseeing its implementation.
Following the ceasefire, Lebanon’s parliament lifted a prolonged deadlock that had left the presidency unoccupied for over two years, thereby paving the way for the appointment of a permanent prime minister. Prominent jurist and diplomat Nawaf Salam is now tasked with forming a new government. The Lebanese government expresses hope that this political advancement will enhance international trust and facilitate the unlocking of essential funds needed to mend the aftermath of the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, which resulted in the loss of over 4,000 lives and injuries to more than 16,000 individuals in Lebanon. An international gathering in Paris in October resulted in pledges of $1 billion for humanitarian relief and military assistance for Lebanon.
During a news conference held jointly with Aoun, Macron, who has historically been critical of Lebanon’s governance, emphasized France’s readiness to support Lebanon, expressing optimism that the new administration signifies the dawn of a transformative political attitude, which would restore state functions for the benefit of all citizens. Aoun urged Macron to act as a witness to the revival of confidence among the Lebanese populace in their country and government. “The real Lebanon has come back,” he asserted.
Upon his arrival at Beirut’s international airport, Macron was welcomed by caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati. He announced plans for France to deploy an additional 80 experts alongside the 750 French troops already stationed in southern Lebanon as part of a U.N. peacekeeping mission along the Israel-Lebanon border. “This is a message of gratitude,” stated Macron to reporters at the airport.
Afterward, he took the time to engage with citizens in various neighborhoods of Beirut, participating in conversations and taking selfies with the locals before proceeding to the presidential palace to hold discussions with Aoun, Mikati, and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. Macron reported that two-thirds of the international commitments made during the Paris conference to assist Lebanon in October have been fulfilled, with France contributing 83 million euros of the pledged 100 million.
Historically, Macron has been vocal in critiquing Lebanon’s political elite, whom many accuse of incompetence and corruption that triggered the nation’s dire economic situation beginning in October 2019—an event recognized by the World Bank as one of the most severe financial crises in recent history. Despite ongoing advocacy by Macron for reforms, meaningful progress has been limited among Lebanese leaders.
Both Aoun and the newly appointed prime minister have expressed a dedication to address Lebanon’s economic troubles and restore governmental authority over areas historically dominated by Hezbollah. The recent Israel-Hezbollah war has diminished Hezbollah’s influence, previously a dominant force in Lebanese governance. Despite initially supporting other candidates for leadership roles, Hezbollah ultimately voted for Aoun while abstaining from endorsing Salam for the prime minister position.
Mikati reported post-meeting with Macron that the president assured continued support for the incoming government. He highlighted that Macron would soon engage with U.S. and French officers on the monitoring committee overseeing the ceasefire situation, with further discussions planned with Lebanese officials. When questioned about France’s ability to ensure that Israel would withdraw its forces from Lebanon by the conclusion of the 60-day truce, Mikati indicated that the matter was not addressed directly but noted that the French delegation is actively managing the situation in coordination with American officials.
Macron acknowledged that while some strides have been made in adhering to the ceasefire agreement, additional actions are necessary. “We need a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces and for the Lebanese military to maintain exclusive control over armaments,” he asserted. He pointed to the ceasefire as a pivotal moment that ended an unbearable cycle of violence, calling it a significant diplomatic achievement that has preserved lives and requires ongoing consolidation.
Macron’s last visit to Lebanon took place in August 2020, following the catastrophic port explosion in Beirut that claimed over 200 lives and left thousands injured.
