Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib met with his French counterpart, Jean-Noël Barrot, in Paris to discuss the ongoing security situation in Lebanon and the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, citing international media reports, Minister Bou Habib shared details of the meeting on his social media account. The discussions centered on the severe challenges currently facing Lebanon, the broader security climate in the region, and the ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation.
During the meeting, Minister Barrot reportedly commended the decisions and positions adopted by the Lebanese political leadership since the summer of 2025 as courageous steps. While France is not a direct party to the conflict, Paris reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the diplomatic process. Minister Bou Habib expressed hope that these negotiations would lead to a sustainable ceasefire and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory.
The Lebanese minister emphasized that his government maintains a firm stance regarding national sovereignty, stating that Lebanon will not authorize any third party to negotiate on its behalf. He reiterated that the state's right to utilize military force remains exclusively reserved for official state institutions. Furthermore, the two ministers discussed strategies to enhance the capabilities of the Lebanese Armed Forces, with France expressing its readiness to organize an international conference aimed at bolstering support for the country's military.
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has significantly intensified in recent months, leading to widespread regional instability. France has historically maintained close ties with Lebanon and has frequently positioned itself as a mediator in Middle Eastern diplomatic crises, seeking to prevent further escalation and support the restoration of state authority in the region.
