Paris to discuss Lebanese army and UNIFIL mandate — France 24
In Paris, France, on September 17, European and Arab military leaders will hold talks on support for the Lebanese Armed Forces. The meeting is being held ahead of the expiration at the end of the year of the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and amid concerns over a new Israeli military campaign in the south of the country, France 24 reports.
Donor conference
The main topic of the talks will be preparations for a donor conference for the Lebanese army. It may be held at the end of 2026 or at the beginning of 2027.
The conference was initially planned for February under the leadership of France, Saudi Arabia and the United States. It was postponed after the start of the war with Iran and a new round of war between Israel and Hezbollah.
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The heads of state of Lebanon, France and Jordan are also expected to meet in Paris. Their goal is to secure support for the Lebanese Armed Forces, which have limited funding.
International presence
Participants will discuss the situation in southern Lebanon and the possible format of an international presence after the UNIFIL mandate ends. Around 7,500 people are serving in the UN peacekeeping mission, and a reduction of its contingent is due to begin in January.
The immediate challenge is a possible security vacuum after the mission is reduced. According to France 24, the Lebanese army has found itself between Israeli troops occupying a significant part of southern Lebanon and the Iran-backed Hezbollah group. Hezbollah refuses calls to lay down its weapons.
