French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday that France would provide Lebanon with 100 million euros during an aid conference held in Paris, which aimed for significant financial support despite limited diplomatic outcomes.

“The war must come to an end as soon as possible; a ceasefire in Lebanon is essential,” Macron stated while seated next to Prime Minister Najib Mikati.

In response, Mikati urged the “international community to unite and support efforts… for an immediate ceasefire.”

France aims to raise a total of 500 million euros (approximately $540 million) in aid for Lebanon, exceeding the initial appeal made by the United Nations by 100 million euros.

In addition to financial assistance, Macron indicated that France would assist in equipping the Lebanese army to regain control of southern Lebanon, in accordance with UN Security Council resolution 1701, which marked the conclusion of the last Israel-Hezbollah conflict in 2006.

Furthermore, Paris is advocating for an increase in humanitarian aid for Lebanon, a nation with which it shares historical ties and a significant diaspora in France.

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has resulted in over 1,550 fatalities, according to an AFP count based on official data, and has displaced approximately 800,000 individuals, as reported by the UN.

Israel initiated a ground offensive against Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran, in southern Lebanon at the end of September. This action followed a year of cross-border exchanges of fire that escalated after Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023.

French President Macron urged Hezbollah to “cease its provocations and indiscriminate strikes” directed at Israel.

However, he noted that Israel “understands from past experiences that military achievements do not always equate to victory in Lebanon.”

In recent weeks, Israel has targeted and eliminated several Hezbollah leaders.

Macron expressed skepticism, stating, “I’m not sure that you can defend a civilization by sowing barbarism yourself.”

Prospects for diplomatic advancements in Paris may be hindered by the absence of both Iran and Israel, who were not included among the 70 countries and 15 international organizations invited. The United States was represented only by a deputy to Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Three-pronged initiative

Macron commenced the conference after a private meeting on Wednesday with Lebanon’s Prime Minister Mikati, while Germany and Canada were represented by their foreign ministers, Annalena Baerbock and Melanie Joly.

On Thursday, Germany announced a contribution of 96 million euros towards the humanitarian aid appeal.

Speaking via video link, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged attendees to “enhance their support for Lebanon’s state institutions, including the Lebanese armed forces.”

As the host nation, France is advocating for advancements in three key areas: diplomacy, humanitarian assistance, and Lebanon’s internal political situation.

“We have presented specific proposals aimed at achieving a ceasefire as swiftly as possible,” stated Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot in a message shared on X.

France, in collaboration with the United States, is advocating for a temporary 21-day ceasefire to facilitate negotiations for a more enduring peace.

Barrot emphasized that diplomacy represents “the only viable solution for both Lebanon and Israel,” where 60,000 individuals have also been displaced from their homes.

The limited presence of the United States and the absence of Israeli or Iranian representatives hinder the potential for meaningful progress.

“Any outcome that fails to achieve an immediate cessation of destruction and loss of life would render this summit a failure,” remarked Bachir Ayoub, head of Oxfam in Lebanon.

Back to 2006

In 2006, France, in addition to Macron’s commitment of 100 million euros, aims to “mobilize humanitarian assistance from as many nations as possible,” according to Barrot.

However, Karim Bitar, an expert in international relations at Beirut’s Saint-Joseph University, noted that in Lebanon, “the needs are so extensive that even if aid reached hundreds of millions of dollars, it could be viewed cynically as merely a form of palliative care,” prior to the discussions.

The third aspect of this initiative focuses on strengthening Lebanon’s institutions, particularly its armed forces, “to maintain the country’s unity, stability, and sovereignty,” Barrot stated.

Mikati reiterated France’s perspective by asserting that “Resolution 1701 … is fundamental to stability and security in southern Lebanon.”

This resolution not only mandates that the only armed forces present on Lebanon’s border with Israel should be UN peacekeepers and the Lebanese army, but it also prohibits the entry of foreign forces into Lebanon without the government’s approval.

Participants in the conference may provide training, equipment, and funding to ensure the Lebanese army remains operational and capable of new recruitment, thereby enhancing its effectiveness.