France backs Lebanese government plan to restore state authority

The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Saturday its full support for a plan adopted by the Lebanese government, proposed by the Lebanese Armed Forces, aimed at extending state authority and reestablishing the government’s monopoly over weapons across all Lebanese territory.

France described the initiative as a “positive new phase”, following up on the Lebanese government’s decision issued on August 5.

High-Level French Support

The statement noted that the French Foreign Minister held a telephone conversation with his Lebanese counterpart, Joseph Raja, on Friday, reaffirming France’s firm backing of the Lebanese government’s sovereign efforts.

Paris called on all Lebanese parties to engage constructively and support the “peaceful and immediate” implementation of the plan, highlighting it as a crucial step toward a stable, prosperous, and united Lebanon within its internationally recognized borders.

Continued French Assistance

The French Foreign Ministry emphasized that, in coordination with European, American, and regional partners, France will continue to support Lebanese authorities. Concrete commitments on the ground include:

• Participation in the ceasefire monitoring mechanism (November 2024).
• Ongoing support for the Lebanese Armed Forces.
• Active involvement in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

France also revealed plans to organize two international conferences in the future: the first to support the Lebanese Armed Forces, and the second to aid Lebanon’s recovery and reconstruction “when conditions permit.”

Call for Full Withdrawal of 'Israeli' Forces

In closing, France reiterated its call for the Israeli' Occupying Forces to fully comply with their obligations under the November 26, 2024, ceasefire agreement, stressing the importance of a complete withdrawal from southern Lebanon in accordance with relevant UN resolutions.