Why US, Israel are freezing France out of Lebanon talks
With talks between Israel and Lebanon being held in Washington, Paris still insists that it must be involved to balance possible American bias and to protect Beirut’s interests.
PARIS — Following President Donald Trump's announcement of extending the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire by three weeks, French diplomatic sources told Al-Monitor that France will continue pushing for a comprehensive agreement between the parties despite efforts by the United States and Israel to sideline Paris.
Trump made the announcement on X during the second round of direct Israel-Lebanon talks at the White House on Thursday evening.
Reacting to the move, and to Trump’s remark that the United States is in no rush on talks with Iran, French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday said that "it is in all our interests" for stability to return to the Middle East "as soon as possible" and urged European partners to step up their engagement.
Lebanon seeks a long-term ceasefire and to restore its sovereignty over all of its territory, which would require a full withdrawal of Israeli forces. Israel, for its part, seeks the disarmament of Hezbollah — or at least assurances that its military capabilities will no longer pose a threat to Israel.
