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France, as a historic power in the Middle East, plays an important diplomatic role in the Israeli-Lebanese conflict. However, its position is complex and often perceived as fragile due to its relations with Israel and Hezbollah. France, while being a key ally of Israel, also has historical and diplomatic relations with Lebanon and, by extension, Hezbollah. This gives it a position unique but difficult to maintain in a tense regional context.
Historical relations with Lebanon
France maintains historical relations with Lebanon, dating back to the period of French mandate on the country, which lasted from 1920 to 1943. This period left lasting imprints on Lebanese political and social structures, and France remains an influential actor in Lebanon. However, this historical relationship has its nuances. France sees itself not only as a protective power of Lebanon but also as a moderator in the complex relationships between the different Lebanese religious communities.
France’s role in Lebanon is often seen through the prism of its efforts to maintain a fragile stability. The country has always sought to play a role in preservation of Lebanese unity while supporting the reconstruction after the civil war. France was also a key player in mediation of the Taif Accords in 1989, which put an end to the Lebanese civil war. These diplomatic efforts strengthened its political influence in Lebanon, but also made its position more delicate facing local and regional political forces.
Support for Israel and commitment to peace
France, as a member of the UN Security Councilhas always supported the right of Israel to exist in security. It has therefore, generally speaking, been a strategic ally of Israelproviding diplomatic and military support throughout recent decades. This support is particularly visible in the context of Israeli-Palestinian tensions, where France has firmly supported the two-state solution and called to end of Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
However, France also has relations with the Palestinian Authority and the Arab countrieswhich pushes her to adopt a more stance nuanced on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. France advocates a solution diplomatic to the conflict, seeking to balance its support for Israel and its commitment to Palestinian rights. This policy of active neutrality has sometimes put France in a position of tension with Israel, especially when it comes to denouncing the human rights violations and the expansionist attitudes of the Hebrew State.
Relations with Hezbollah
France has designated the Hezbollah as a terrorist organization, particularly because of its military activitiesagainst Israel and its major role in theLebanon’s instability. However, France’s position is not unambiguous. She recognizes the Hezbollah as an essential political actor in Lebanon, given its major influence within the Lebanese Parliament and its control over a significant part of Lebanese territory, in particular in south of the country. Consequently, France adopts a pragmatic approach who tries to separate the political and military activities of Hezbollah.
As part of French diplomacy, commitment to Lebanese stability is crucial. France has often sought to encourage the dialogue between Hezbollah and other Lebanese political forces, while pressuring it to reduce its military activities and stop acting outside the institutions of the Lebanese state. This double commitment – both against the violent actions of Hezbollah et in favor of its political role in Lebanon – illustrates France’s delicate position in the region.
Diplomacy under pressure
France’s position in the Middle East is constantly being tested. On the one hand, it seeks to maintain its strategic ally in Israel and advance the peace process in the region. On the other hand, France must manage its relationship with the Lebanona country deeply divided along sectarian lines and by external influence from powers such as Iran and Syria. France also had to face the rise of sectarian tensions in Lebanon, exacerbated by Iranian and Syrian involvement in Lebanese affairs.
France is faced with the question of how to maintain its diplomatic engagement in favor of Lebanon while supporting the aspirations of the State of Israel to defend itself against external threats. This position has sparked criticism, particularly from certain sectors of public opinion who consider this approach too balancedet insufficiently closed on certain points, particularly with regard to Hezbollah and its allies.
Perspectives futures
France’s diplomatic relations in the Middle East will continue to be shaped by dynamic forces of political change in the region, by the external interventions and by the strategic decisions great powers. France will have to continue to navigate between contradictory alliances, playing its role as mediator and seeking to maintain the regional stability while responding to geopolitical challenges.
One of the big questions that France could face is the possibility of a reassessment of its relations with Hezbollah in a context where theIranian influence is more and more significant. In addition, French diplomacy will have to manage theevolution of the Palestinian issue and how it can continue to play a role in resolving this conflict without worsening its relations with Israel.
References :
- Universalis, “Lebanon: reconstruction and reconciliation”, universalis.fr
- IRIS, “French diplomacy in the Middle East”, iris-france.org
- Le Monde Diplomatique, “France’s position against Hezbollah”, mondediplomatique.fr
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