Macron and Aoun Convene in Paris to Bolster Lebanese Army and Halt Israeli Strikes

French President Emmanuel Macron, Jordan's King Abdullah II, and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun opened the 'Aqaba Process' meeting in support of the Lebanese Armed Forces at the Hotel des Invalides in Paris. The leaders convened to drum up international support for the Lebanese army following a US-mediated framework deal agreed between Israel and Lebanon in June.

Despite the agreement, Israel has not withdrawn from the large area of southern Lebanon it occupies, and attacks have continued. The discussions also addressed creating a new force to succeed a longstanding United Nations peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon, with defense chiefs and officials from France, Jordan, the United Kingdom, Italy, the United States, and Saudi Arabia joining the talks.

Macron emphasized that the talks aim to strengthen Lebanon's sovereignty and security, noting that a stable Lebanon is crucial for regional peace. The French presidency outlined plans to review a deployment plan for the Lebanese armed forces as a prerequisite for international financial assistance, equipment, and training.

During their discussions, Aoun and Macron focused on ending Israeli attacks in light of ongoing negotiations. Aoun highlighted the Lebanese army as the primary pillar for protecting state sovereignty and expressed hope that allies would meet the army's needs as it works toward national stability and the disarmament of Hezbollah.

The meetings also address the upcoming conclusion of the mandate for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) at the end of 2026. France and Italy have proposed establishing a multinational coalition to prevent a security vacuum after UNIFIL departs, as regional tensions and Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon persist.