Lebanese army chief, top French diplomat discuss Paris conference aimed at helping Lebanon's military

By Murat Basoglu

ISTANBUL (AA) – Lebanese army chief Rodolphe Haykal on Saturday met with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot and discussed developments in Lebanon and the region, as well as preparations for next month's Paris conference aimed at supporting the Lebanese military, Lebanese state media reported.

Haykal received Barrot at his office northeast of Beirut, along with French Ambassador Herve Magro and a delegation accompanying the foreign minister, the National News Agency (NNA) said.

The meeting reviewed regional and domestic developments, requirements to strengthen the Lebanese army’s capabilities and logistical needs, and preparations for the upcoming support conference to be held in France.

On Friday, Barrot announced from Beirut that France will host the conference on March 5 in Paris to mobilize necessary support for the Lebanese army and internal security forces, particularly to help implement Lebanon’s plan to restrict weapons to the state and address the post-UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) phase.

Barrot said Paris is working with the US, Saudi Arabia, and other partners to secure joint contributions to be presented to Lebanese authorities.

In August 2025, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution extending UNIFIL’s mandate for the final time through the end of 2026.

That same month, Lebanon’s government approved a decision to limit weapons to the state, including arms held by Hezbollah, and tasked the army with implementing the plan in five phases.

Haykal is expected to present a report on the weapons-control plan to Lebanon’s Cabinet next week, including progress made in the first phase south of the Litani River and steps to begin the second phase north of the river, according to an Anadolu correspondent.

Late in 2025, the Lebanese army said the first phase of the plan south of the Litani had “achieved its objectives and entered an advanced stage,” warning that Israeli attacks and occupation of Lebanese positions were “negatively affecting” its completion.

Hezbollah has said on multiple occasions that it will retain its weapons and has called for an end to Israel’s actions in Lebanon and a withdrawal from occupied areas.

A 2024 ceasefire deal between Lebanon and Israel has put an end to more than a year of attacks that have killed over 4,000 people and injured 17,000 more, against the backdrop of Israel's war in Gaza.

The Israeli army was supposed to withdraw from southern Lebanon in Jan. 2025 under the ceasefire, but instead only partially pulled out and continues to maintain a military presence at five border outposts.

*Writing by Mohammad Sio in Istanbul