Lebanon PM and Macron to discuss bolstering country's position in Israel talks

BEIRUT — Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and French President Emmanuel Macron will discuss on Tuesday how to strengthen the country's hand in possible direct negotiations with Israel in the United States later this week, as Beirut turns to a trusted European ally.

The U.S. will host ambassador-level talks with Israel and Lebanon on Thursday, although it remains unclear whether the objective is to extend a fragile ten-day cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah or pave the way for deeper negotiations.

Israeli troops occupy territory deep into southern Lebanese territory, and are attempting to establish what it calls a "buffer zone." Hezbollah, meanwhile, says it maintains the "right to resist" Israeli occupation.

"France’s role is not to insert itself between the parties in discussions that are, by nature, bilateral and direct," a French presidency official said ahead of Salam's meeting with Macron.

"France is one of the countries capable of playing a very concrete role in strengthening the Lebanese government’s hand and supporting its action in practical terms."

France, which has deep historical ties with Lebanon, has sought alongside Washington to mediate in the war, brokering a cease-fire in 2024 and helping establish a mechanism to monitor it.

But relations with Israel have soured over France’s stance on Gaza and the West Bank, its accusations that Israel’s actions in Lebanon are disproportionate, and its contacts with Hezbollah’s political wing.

Israel’s ambassador to Washington said last week that France should be excluded from any talks, describing Paris as having "no positive influence."

The U.S., while maintaining contact with France on the issue, has also sought to marginalize its role.

European and Lebanese diplomats say they fear that if direct negotiations begin, Lebanon’s government could be too weak to resist unrealistic demands, potentially fueling domestic tensions given Hezbollah’s refusal to negotiate with Israel.

"We are trying our best to get them back in the discussions, but the U.S. and Israel are adamant not to include them," said a Lebanese diplomat.

Lebanon's inability to rein in Hezbollah following the 2024 cease-fire has raised questions about Beirut's credibility at negotiations. France has pushed initiatives only to be rebuffed by the U.S. and Israel.

Paris argues that unlike Washington it has a significant presence on the ground in Lebanon with some 700 U.N. peacekeepers, and that any peace deal would still need a significant international presence to implement it.

A French soldier was killed in southern Lebanon this week in an attack the French government claims was carried out by Hezbollah.

Lebanon’s Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri warned on Tuesday that Israeli forces occupying parts of the country's south would face resistance if they fail to withdraw, signalling a risk of renewed confrontation.