France’s President Emmanuel Macron called on Israel to expedite its withdrawal from southern Lebanon while urging adherence to the ceasefire agreement that ended last year’s war with Hezbollah, Reuters reported.
Speaking during his visit to Beirut on Friday, Macron also highlighted the importance of Lebanon’s sovereignty, advocating for the Lebanese military to maintain a monopoly on weapons and voicing France’s support for reinforcing the army’s presence in the South.
“We need a total withdrawal of the Israeli army,” Macron stated during a joint press conference with Lebanon’s new President, Joseph Aoun. He reaffirmed France’s commitment to strengthening the Lebanese Armed Forces, describing them as a cornerstone of Lebanon’s sovereignty.
Macron’s visit marked the first by a foreign head of state since Joseph Aoun assumed the presidency on January 9. Aoun, who previously commanded Lebanon’s military, symbolizes a political shift following Hezbollah’s weakening in the wake of its conflict with Israel.
The ceasefire, brokered by the US and France, came into effect on November 27. It requires the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon within 60 days and mandates Hezbollah’s removal of fighters and weapons from the region.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, also in Lebanon, criticized Israeli military actions in the South as violations of the ceasefire terms. Addressing peacekeepers, Guterres highlighted the discovery of over 100 weapons caches tied to Hezbollah and other groups since the agreement began.
The war between Israel and Hezbollah, which coincided with the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, caused significant casualties and destabilization. Hezbollah faced setbacks, including the loss of key leaders and the disruption of its supply routes after Syrian ally Bashar al-Assad’s ousting in December.
Macron praised the potential for a “new path” under Aoun’s leadership, calling his election a chance for Lebanon to reclaim stability. Lebanon’s presidency confirmed discussions on consolidating the ceasefire, urging Macron to support the resumption of offshore energy exploration by TotalEnergies, part of a consortium with Italy’s Eni and QatarEnergy.
Macron’s visit underscored France’s historical ties to Lebanon as a former protectorate and its renewed focus on Lebanon’s sovereignty and reform. A senior French official noted the trip’s goal was to encourage structural reforms, restore international confidence, and promote unity within Lebanon’s government.
Ahead of the visit, Macron discussed Lebanon with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as France seeks to rekindle Saudi engagement in Lebanese economic and military support. French officials expressed optimism that Riyadh might provide financing and resources to bolster Lebanon’s Armed Forces.
Macron’s swift visit highlighted France’s readiness to aid Lebanon in transitioning from a history of conflict to a period of potential stability and prosperity.