Lebanon seeks international presence in south from French FM as peace keeper exit nears

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on Saturday, expressing his willingness to accept any measures to avoid a security vacuum in the south should United Nations peacekeepers withdraw at the year's end. Barrot is in Beirut for a two-day visit to explore potential international presence mechanisms in the south, the region that has witnessed repeated conflicts between Israel and Hizbollah.

Lebanon has urged the extension of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) mandate but is open to any arrangement that maintains international presence, prevents a vacuum, and keeps the Lebanese army away from direct confrontation with the Israeli army. Israel presently occupies a southern Lebanese strip following a recent clash with Hizbollah, ignited by rocket attacks in March, kicking off the Middle East war.

The UN Security Council voted in August 2025 to terminate Unifil's mandate on December 31, 2026, under pressure from the United States. France and Italy announced in June their intent to establish a multinational force following Unifil's mission end. Before Barrot's arrival, the French foreign ministry stated that France is prepared to fully contribute to averting a security vacuum and backing the Lebanese army's southward redeployment.

In June, Israel and Lebanon reached a framework agreement covering Hizbollah disarmament, a phased Israeli withdrawal from occupied territories, and the Lebanese army's deployment to the area, starting with two pilot zones. Despite the deal, Israeli airstrikes have not ceased entirely, while Hizbollah has refused to hand over its weapons.

Aoun reiterated on Saturday that Israel has not adhered to the framework agreement provisions. He announced a Lebanese military delegation's participation in a meeting with Israeli and U.S. representatives in Tampa, Florida, on Tuesday, aiming to present Lebanon's demands for an end to Israeli escalation. During their visit, the French delegation will engage with various Lebanese officials, including army chief Rodolphe Haykal, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Hizbollah-allied Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri.