Macron Allegedly Cancels Planned Christmas Trip to Lebanon

According to French diplomatic sources, French President Emmanuel Macron’s scheduled visit to Lebanon on December 21st has been canceled, as reported by the Saudi Okaz newspaper.

The reasons for the cancellation are currently unclear, but Lebanese officials have been notified of the change in plans. President Macron’s visit was originally planned to include an inspection of French peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, who are part of the UNIFIL force, in celebration of Christmas.

In lieu of President Macron’s visit, French political and security representatives are expected to meet with UNIFIL’s leadership. They aim to discuss strategies for implementing a French proposal to establish a buffer zone in the southern Litani area. This plan also involves pressuring Hezbollah to retreat north of the Litani River, as indicated by a media report.