French FM Heads to Beirut to Detangle Lebanon from Gaza

According to al-Joumhouria newspaper, French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné is scheduled to visit Beirut on Sunday to discuss the ongoing support for the Lebanese Army. During his trip, Séjourné is expected to hold meetings with Speaker Nabih Berri, caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, caretaker Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib, and possibly Army chief General Joseph Aoun. Following his visit to Beirut, Séjourné plans to travel to Saudi Arabia and then to Tel Aviv.

The newspaper also noted that this surprise visit is part of France’s efforts to manage the situation, aiming to separate the tensions in southern Lebanon from the conflict in Gaza. This initiative is reportedly coordinated with the United States, especially in light of the prolonged conflict in Gaza.