Macron Backs Lebanon Truce as Europe Eyes Post-UNIFIL Role

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has engaged in high-level discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron and senior American officials to shore up the fragile ceasefire in southern Lebanon, while several European nations consider maintaining a military presence after the UN peacekeeping mission withdraws next year.

According to Brussels Signal, Aoun held separate phone calls on Tuesday with Macron, US Vice President JD Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, with the ceasefire forming a central component of broader negotiations between Washington and Tehran.

During his conversation with the French leader, Aoun examined the security situation in southern Lebanon following the recently renewed ceasefire. The two presidents agreed to maintain close coordination on efforts to strengthen the truce and extend state authority throughout Lebanese territory.

Europe Eyes Post-UNIFIL Security Role

A key focus of the Macron-Aoun discussion centered on the future of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, known as UNIFIL, which is scheduled to begin its withdrawal in early 2027. Both leaders addressed the interest of several European countries in maintaining a military footprint in the region after the UN mission concludes—a proposal Lebanon supports.

The Lebanese presidency stated that Macron would consult with multiple partners to determine a position on a potential replacement force. The development suggests a broader European security engagement in the region at a moment when EU member states face growing pressure to assume greater responsibility for their own defense.

Macron reaffirmed France’s dedication to Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity during his calls with Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. He emphasized the need for a durable ceasefire respected by all parties, enabling simultaneous Israeli withdrawal and redeployment of Lebanese armed forces.

French Support for Lebanese State Institutions

The French president pledged France’s readiness to support the implementation process and mobilize the international community in the coming weeks to bolster Lebanon’s military and provide assistance to displaced civilians, as Brussels Signal reports.

The two leaders also discussed the recent G7 summit held in Évian, France. Beirut expressed gratitude to the bloc for endorsing Lebanon’s sovereignty, the ceasefire agreement, and efforts to disarm the Hezbollah militia.

US Engagement Following Iran Talks

In his separate discussions with Vance and Rubio, Aoun reviewed recent developments following a weekend meeting in Switzerland between American and Iranian delegations. The Lebanese president thanked the Trump administration for its role in ending hostilities and strengthening what he characterized as Lebanon’s independent decision-making capacity.

The diplomatic activity underscores the delicate balance required to maintain stability in southern Lebanon while navigating the complex interests of regional and international powers invested in the country’s future.

With information from Brussels Signal