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Israel informed American mediator Amos Hochstein that it refused France's participation in the monitoring committee responsible for overseeing any ceasefire agreement with Lebanon, according to reports relayed by Israeli and Arab media on Friday. This decision comes as negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, under American mediation, appear to be progressing towards a possible ceasefire agreement.
Progress in negotiations
US sources told Israel's Channel 12 that an agreement between Israel and Lebanon could be finalized in the coming days, with discussions having advanced significantly. Lebanese officials, quoted by Sky News Arabia, confirmed that “contacts could result in a ceasefire agreement by the end of the week, provided no major obstacles arise.” »
For its part, the Lebanese channel Al-Jadeed reported that the United States had received positive signals from Israel regarding the talks. However, Washington said further discussions were needed to finalize the details of the deal.
A sidelining of France
Israel's refusal to include France in the monitoring committee reflects growing diplomatic tensions between the two countries. Israel has not publicly justified its decision, but this rejection is interpreted as a sign of distrust of Paris' role in regional affairs. This gesture risks deepening the gap between Israel and France, which is going through a period of tense bilateral relations.
Context of tensions between Israel and France
Franco-Israeli relations are marked by a series of recent incidents. In October 2024, French President Emmanuel Macron publicly called for a cessation of arms deliveries to Israel, particularly those used in strikes against Gaza. This position was sharply criticized by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who described the call as “shameful”.
At the beginning of November, an incident in Jerusalem exacerbated tensions. Two French gendarmes stationed at the Eleona estate, a French property located in the city, were briefly arrested by Israeli forces without prior consultation with French authorities. In reaction, Paris summoned the Israeli ambassador and denounced a violation of bilateral agreements.
At the same time, France has increased its criticism of Israel's military actions in Lebanon and Palestine, adopting a position deemed too aligned with Arab demands by certain Israeli officials. This perception explains, in part, the decision to exclude France from discussions to monitor a ceasefire with Lebanon.
Diplomatic consequences
This sidelining of France could have repercussions on Israeli-European relations, with Paris playing a key role within the European Union in negotiations in the Middle East. The Israeli decision could also complicate efforts to maintain coherent international dynamics around the resolution of regional conflicts.
Despite these tensions, negotiations between Israel and Lebanon are moving forward under the aegis of the United States, giving hope for a possible agreement. However, the refusal of French participation highlights persistent international divisions in the management of peace and security in the region.
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