France seeks to bolster Lebanon's army through UNIFIL coordination, donor conference
France believes that the key to stabilizing the region is bolstering the Lebanese military so it can regain control over the south of the country.
PARIS — France is seeking to curb tensions on the Israel-Lebanon border by strengthening the ceasefire oversight mechanism and leading efforts to organize an international donor conference for the Lebanese army.
As it does so, Paris is facing mounting challenges due to its strained ties with Israel. Al-Monitor reported on Monday that a French request was rebuffed by the United States and Israel, leaving Paris excluded from the latest round of talks between Lebanese and Israeli officials in Naqoura.
What happened: According to a European diplomat, France is now proposing that UNIFIL troops systemically accompany the Lebanese military during their operations to a much greater extent than they currently do. France also suggests that UNIFIL assist the army in documenting and mapping Hezbollah’s presence and activities on the ground, making Lebanese operations more effective.
Paris, the diplomat said, would like to see fewer independent Israeli military actions against Hezbollah arms depots and more operations carried out by the Lebanese army. This, France argues, would help the Lebanese army gain credibility in Israel’s eyes. France also wants the Lebanese army to restore its sovereignty over the territory in preparation for the vacuum that will emerge next year when UNIFIL’s mandate expires, the official added.
