French President Emmanuel Macron stressed the need to expand the framework of negotiations between Israel and Lebanon to include countries concerned with its security, in conjunction with efforts to extend the ceasefire and achieve “permanent peace.” Macron also reaffirmed France's readiness to organize an international conference to support the Lebanese army, whenever the authorities in Beirut deem that conditions are appropriate for that.
Published on: 04/23/2026 - 19:11
French President Emmanuel Macron stressed Thursday that any negotiations related to Lebanon should include all countries in the region concerned with its security, with the aim of achieving “lasting peace.”
Macron's statement came while he was standing next to his Cypriot counterpart, Nikos Christodoulides, before an informal European summit in Nicosia, where he indicated that Lebanon is currently facing great pressure, with ongoing efforts to ensure the extension of the ceasefire.
In the same context, he explained that these negotiations are supposed to take place within an appropriate framework that brings together Lebanon and Israel, with the involvement of all regional countries linked to Lebanon’s long-term security and stability.
The French President pointed out that the goal of this path is to provide the necessary conditions to achieve a lasting peace that guarantees respect for Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, in addition to the disarmament of Hezbollah.
He also reaffirmed France's readiness to organize an international conference to support the Lebanese army, whenever the authorities in Beirut deem that conditions are appropriate for that.
For his part, the Israeli ambassador to the United States, Yehiel Leiter, stated in mid-April that Paris has no business interfering in the negotiations between Israel and Lebanon.
The Elysee Palace responded by saying, “Many will be happy to rely on France, including the Israelis” when it comes to helping the Lebanese authorities “restore security and sovereignty over the entire Lebanese territory.”
Israel and Lebanon will hold a new round of ambassadorial-level talks in Washington on Thursday, under the auspices of the United States. During this round, Beirut wants a one-month extension of the truce that has been in effect since April 17.
The leaders of the European Union countries will participate in the Nicosia summit in a working lunch on Friday with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, and Jordanian Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah.
France 24/AFP
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