French, Saudi Arabian, and American officials held talks in Paris on Thursday with the head of the Lebanese army to finalize a roadmap for disarming Hezbollah, diplomats said. The meeting aims to strengthen the 2024 US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.
Since the ceasefire, Israel and Lebanon have exchanged accusations over violations, with Israel questioning the Lebanese army’s efforts to control Hezbollah. Israeli airstrikes have targeted Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon and even near Beirut, raising regional tensions.
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Officials warned the ceasefire remains fragile, and the Paris talks aim to reinforce mechanisms for verifying and supporting Hezbollah’s disarmament. The initiative will involve French, US, and possibly UN military experts to assist the Lebanese army.
With legislative elections scheduled in Lebanon in 2026, diplomats fear political gridlock and party rivalries could stall disarmament. President Joseph Aoun is reportedly cautious about public disarmament steps to avoid tensions with the Shi’ite community in southern Lebanon.
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The Paris discussions also plan separate conferences to support Lebanese army capacity and reconstruct areas affected by conflict, particularly in the south. Strengthening local institutions is seen as critical to preventing renewed escalation and maintaining stability.
Meanwhile, Israeli strikes hit southern towns and the Bekaa Valley on Thursday, targeting Hezbollah compounds used for training and weapons storage. Parliament speaker Nabih Berri described the attacks as an “Israeli message” ahead of the Paris talks, signaling continued pressure on Lebanon.