Lebanon, France, Jordan Leaders Meet to Boost Struggling Army
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, along with French and Jordanian leaders, convened in Paris to rally international support for Lebanon’s financially strained military. The meeting follows stalled disarmament talks with Hezbollah and a pending UNIFIL mandate expiry, highlighting Lebanon’s urgent need…
By Felo News Desk · Published
On Thursday, Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun, France’s President Emmanuel Macron, and Jordan’s King Abdullah II gathered in Paris to discuss a comprehensive plan to strengthen the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF). The meeting is part of a broader effort to secure donor assistance for a military that has struggled to maintain operational readiness amid regional tensions and internal political divisions.
Background: A Military in Crisis
The LAF has faced severe financial constraints for years. A 2019 fiscal crisis left state institutions unable to pay salaries, forcing many soldiers to take second jobs. Inflation and shrinking budgets have further eroded the army’s capacity to equip and retain personnel.
Historically, Lebanon’s defense has relied on international donors—primarily the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Italy—to supply weapons and training. Saudi Arabia once pledged $3 billion in 2013 for French‑made armaments, but halted the aid in 2016 as Hezbollah’s political influence grew and Lebanon’s ties with the kingdom weakened.
Regional Tensions and Disarmament Stalemate
Lebanon’s strategic position places it between Israel and the militant group Hezbollah. In June, the Lebanese and Israeli governments signed a framework agreement: Israel would gradually withdraw from southern Lebanon, the LAF would assume control, and Hezbollah would be disarmed. Implementation has stalled, leaving the region in a precarious state.
Hezbollah, which was heavily weakened during the November 2024 conflict, remains a powerful political and military force. Lebanon’s new leadership—President Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam—has pledged to disarm Hezbollah and other non‑state armed groups, but critics argue that the army lacks the strength to enforce such measures without external support.
Paris Meeting: Preparing for a Donor Conference
The Paris summit aims to lay the groundwork for a donor conference, originally scheduled for February but postponed due to the Iran war and the Israel‑Hezbollah conflict. The conference will bring together France, Saudi Arabia, the United States, and other stakeholders to discuss funding, equipment upgrades, and strategic assistance.
Key topics include the status of the UNIFIL peacekeeping mission, set to expire at the end of the year, and plans for an international presence in southern Lebanon. The LAF’s current under‑equipped state hampers its ability to secure the border and maintain national sovereignty.
Implications for Lebanon’s Stability
Lebanon’s political leaders fear that a confrontation between the army and Hezbollah could spark a civil war. Strengthening the LAF is seen as essential to gaining the trust of Hezbollah supporters and demonstrating the government’s capacity to protect all citizens.
International aid is not only a financial necessity but also a political signal of solidarity. Successful donor engagement could help Lebanon navigate its complex security landscape while maintaining its democratic institutions.
As the international community watches, the outcomes of the Paris meeting will shape Lebanon’s defense strategy and its role in regional stability for years to come.
“The Lebanese army must be equipped and funded to defend the nation,” said President Aoun during the Paris talks. “We are committed to a future where all Lebanese can live in peace.”
Next Steps and Unresolved Issues
Following the Paris summit, the donor conference is expected to finalize funding commitments and outline a procurement plan for modern weaponry and training programs. The LAF will also need to address internal reforms to improve morale and retention.
Meanwhile, the status of the UNIFIL mandate remains uncertain. If the mission ends without a replacement, Lebanon faces increased pressure to fill the security vacuum, potentially accelerating the need for international assistance.
In the coming months, Lebanese officials will monitor the progress of disarmament talks with Hezbollah, assess the feasibility of a new peacekeeping arrangement, and work to secure the promised donor support.
Key facts
- Lebanese army faces severe funding gaps and equipment shortages.
- Paris summit seeks to rally international donors for a postponed conference.
- Disarmament talks with Hezbollah have stalled, raising security concerns.
- UNIFIL’s mandate expiry may create a security vacuum in southern Lebanon.
- Lebanon’s new leadership aims to reform the army but needs external support.
Why it matters
Lebanon’s military health directly impacts regional security; a weakened army could trigger renewed conflict, affecting millions across the Middle East.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main goal of the Paris meeting?
To secure donor funding and equipment for the Lebanese army and prepare for a future donor conference.
Why has the donor conference been postponed?
Ongoing regional conflicts, including the Iran war and the Israel‑Hezbollah war, made it difficult to hold the conference in February.
What happens if UNIFIL’s mandate ends?
Lebanon may need to establish a new peacekeeping arrangement or rely on increased national forces to maintain security.
How does Hezbollah’s presence affect Lebanon’s security?
Hezbollah’s refusal to disarm and its political influence pose a threat to national stability and complicate disarmament efforts.
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “Leaders from Lebanon, France and Jordan to discuss struggling Lebanese military”
