The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noel Barrotwelcomed France’s decisive involvement in obtaining the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah. This agreement, concluded in collaboration with the United States, helped put an end to intense fighting in the region. “It is a success for French diplomacy, and we can be proud of it,” declared the minister on Wednesday, a few hours after the ceasefire came into force.
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Barrot stressed that France’s role was essential, thanks to its historic and privileged links with Lebanon, a country formerly under its mandate. “The United States has a privileged relationship with Israel, but with Lebanon, it is France which maintains very old and very close ties,” he recalled, affirming that without French involvement, a cease -the fire would have been difficult to imagine.
A French presence on the front line
France will also play a leading role in monitoring the agreement. According to the minister, 700 French soldiers are currently deployed within the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), a 10,000-man mission that has patrolled the border between Israel and Lebanon for almost half a century. This force will be responsible for supervising the implementation of the agreement and guaranteeing stability along the Blue Line.
Barrot also announced that France was committed to strengthening the capabilities of Lebanese troops who will be deployed in the south of the country, in accordance with the terms of the agreement. Although the details of this support have not been specified, this initiative aims to consolidate the authority of the Lebanese state in a region long marked by tensions.
Diplomacy at the service of regional stability
France’s role in this ceasefire reflects its commitment to stability in the Middle East. As a key player in international relations in Lebanon, Paris strives to maintain a delicate balance between its relations with Beirut and the expectations of its Western allies, notably the United States. French involvement highlights the importance of diplomacy based on solid bilateral relations, particularly in such sensitive contexts.
Strengthening Lebanese institutions
France’s participation in this process is not limited to military supervision. The emphasis on strengthening Lebanese forces reflects a desire to restore state authority in a region where Hezbollah has a strong presence. This effort aims to create the necessary conditions for Lebanon to better control its territory and avoid future escalation.
