French Ministers Visit Lebanon for Talks Amid Israel-Hezbollah Truce

France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot and Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu arrived in Lebanon on Monday, marking their visit after a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah brought an end to the intense fighting that had plagued the region since late November.

During their visit, Barrot and Lecornu met with Lebanese army chief Joseph Aoun. The following day, they are scheduled to visit U.N. peacekeepers stationed near the Israeli border.

According to a statement from the Lebanese army on social media, the discussions between Aoun and the French officials focused on strengthening cooperation between the two countries’ armies and continuing support for the Lebanese army in light of the ongoing situation.

Aoun, who is considered a potential candidate for Lebanon’s presidency, has been responsible for deploying troops in southern Lebanon since the ceasefire took effect on November 27.

Lecornu stated on social media that he is also set to meet with a French general involved in the ceasefire monitoring mechanism. He emphasized France’s ongoing commitment to the stability of Lebanon and the broader region.

This monitoring body includes representatives from Lebanon, Israel, the United States, France, and the U.N.’s UNIFIL peacekeeping mission, and is tasked with overseeing the ceasefire’s implementation and addressing any violations.

The UNIFIL peacekeeping force expressed concern on Thursday over the ongoing destruction in southern Lebanon by the Israeli army, despite the ceasefire being in place.

On Tuesday, Lecornu and Barrot are expected to meet with French troops serving in the UNIFIL mission in southern Lebanon.