Lebanon is witnessing renewed American-French support

Just when the Lebanese assumed that international support and momentum has waned, the United States and France assured that Beirut was still on their agendas. Such interest brings hope and relief for many, as essential reforms (be it political, economic or financial) rely heavily on the backing of major global powers with significant influence.

United States’ Symbolic message to the Lebanese presidency

During his historic speech in Israel’s parliament (also known as “Knesset”) on Monday, US President Donald Trump briefly, yet notably, taunted his Lebanese counterpart. He said that “my administration is actively supporting the new president of Lebanon (Joseph Aoun) in his mission to permanently disarm Hezbollah’s terror brigades. He’s doing very well,” adding that he wants the Lebanese to “build a thriving state at peace with its neighbors.”

These statements do not resemble mere spontaneous remarks, but rather a calibrated and symbolic support for the Lebanese presidency. This support is meant to boost hopes and efforts for the country’s authorities to pursue their proclaimed goal of ensuring the exclusivity of arms as well as the decision of war and peace in the hands of the legitimate Lebanese state and its official institutions. It represents continued American interest in a country pitching towards extending state control over all its territories and achieving key reforms in a broken economy. Ministerial sources close to the Lebanese presidency viewed Trump’s support for Aoun as “an indirect response to all those skeptical of US-Lebanese relations and their talk about the failure of Aoun's visit to New York.”

France’s crucial conferences for Lebanon

In a letter addressed to Lebanese President General Joseph Aoun, French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated that his country is determined to organize 2 international conferences in support of Lebanon before the end of the year. The first will be dedicated to assisting the Lebanese Armed Forces, while the second conference will focus on Lebanon’s recovery and reconstruction (following the devastating economic and financial crises in 2019 as well as the deadly Israel-Hezbollah armed conflict in 2023-2024). Macron expressed his happiness with the decision taken by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to renew the mandate of the international forces operating in Lebanon (UNIFIL), while also giving a “pass” to his counterpart, saying that “I salute on this occasion the courageous decisions you have taken to ensure the exclusive possession of weapons by the legitimate Lebanese forces.”

Paris’ support stems from a commitment to Lebanon and their historical friendship. It also represents a vital backing to the LAF, which it considers as the cornerstone of achieving national sovereignty and preserving local stability. Furthermore, France’s intentions in Lebanon cannot be understood without examining its regional polices as well. Its recent role in Gaza (spearheading the recognition of the State of Palestine and the revival of the two-states solution), coupled with the 2020 initiative following the Beirut port blast, entail that Paris is keen on enhancing its influence and position as a key player in the Middle East – a role it historically held before the outbreak of World War II.