French President Emmanuel Macron will open a high-level military meeting in Paris on Thursday alongside Joseph Aoun and Jordan’s King Abdullah II, according to official reports. The summit, which follows morning discussions between the three leaders, aims to prepare operational backing for the Lebanese Armed Forces and internal security units as they face major enforcement hurdles in the country’s south.
Operational Planning and Military Needs
The Paris talks trace their origins to a late July conversation between President Macron and King Abdullah II, which subsequently gained the backing of Joseph Aoun. According to the French presidency, the gathering is designed as an operational session focused on establishing a clear, credible, and realistic deployment plan for the Lebanese military. Participants include chiefs of staff and senior military officials from France, Lebanon, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Jordan, alongside representatives from Saudi Arabia.
Discussions center on defining operational parameters, timelines, and execution mechanisms to clear the path for robust international backing. Press reports indicate that the armed forces require modern vehicles, communications systems, protective gear, surveillance tools, and financial support to maintain service member readiness. The Élysée Palace emphasizes that the objective remains bolstering Lebanese sovereignty, stressing that partner nations have no intention of replacing domestic forces in carrying out the disarmament of Hezbollah.
Did You Know? The idea for the Paris military summit originated in late July following a direct conversation between French President Emmanuel Macron and Jordan’s King Abdullah II, which secured the support of Joseph Aoun.
Security Challenges in Southern Lebanon
The military summit unfolds as the Lebanese Armed Forces grapple with severe equipment shortages and diminished troop salaries, alongside the complex realities of deploying in the south and disarming Hezbollah. Israel has linked its withdrawal from southern territory directly to the disarmament of the group, while continuing to occupy more than 600 square kilometers in the south following military operations that leveled dozens of villages. Israel has established a security zone reaching up to ten kilometers deep along the border amid ongoing strikes and demolition operations.
The gathering serves as part of a broader French effort to maintain an active footprint in Lebanese affairs, particularly after the United States spearheaded recent ceasefire agreements and southern arrangements. Meanwhile, Beirut is broadening its military partnerships through ongoing cooperation with Qatar and a five-year military cooperation agreement with Turkey.
Post-UNIFIL Arrangements and International Support
Enhancing military capabilities ties directly into ongoing debates regarding future security arrangements in the south, especially with the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) expiring at the end of the year. The European Union is working to establish a training mission for the Lebanese military under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. At the same time, France and Italy—the latter holding the largest contingent of UNIFIL troops—are evaluating future international presence options to avert a security vacuum once the current mandate concludes, according to the Élysée.
The exact shape of a new international mission remains undecided as Lebanese authorities have yet to submit a formal request. Paris and Rome continue consultations alongside Washington’s central role in the UN Security Council. Beyond material provisions, the Lebanese military seeks a transition from ad hoc assistance to long-term partnerships covering training, equipment, maintenance, and technical aid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is hosting the military meeting in Paris?
The meeting is hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, alongside Joseph Aoun and Jordan’s King Abdullah II.
What are the primary topics of discussion at the summit?
Discussions focus on a deployment plan for the Lebanese Armed Forces, operational requirements such as vehicles and communications gear, and preparations for broader international support.
What is the status of the UNIFIL mandate in southern Lebanon?
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mandate is set to expire at the end of the year, prompting European and international discussions regarding future security arrangements to prevent a security vacuum.
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