French, Lebanese Leaders Discuss Effort to Quell Hezbollah, Israel Clashes

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• . April 20, 2024
• . Update: April 20, 2024 5:23 pm
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French, Lebanese Leaders Discuss Effort to Quell Hezbollah on Friday to discuss ways to end cross-border fighting between Hezbollah and Israel, as well as to address a political impasse in Lebanon.

French, Lebanese Leaders Discuss Effort to Quell Hezbollah

During the meeting, Mikati and Macron discussed a French proposal aimed at halting the cross-border fighting. The proposal includes plans for increased support for the Lebanese army and the withdrawal of Hezbollah fighters from within 10 kilometers (six miles) of the border.

Mikati expressed gratitude to Macron for his efforts “to stop the Israeli aggression against Lebanon and support the army with equipment and expertise to enable it to fully carry out its tasks,” according to a statement from Mikati’s office.

Escalating Clashes

Clashes between Iran-backed Hezbollah and the Israeli army have intensified since the Israel-Hamas war erupted on Oct. 7. These clashes mark the most serious hostilities between the two sides since their 2006 war.

The ongoing fighting has raised concerns about the potential for further escalation in the region.

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Political Paralysis in Lebanon

Macron and Mikati also discussed the urgent need to elect a new president more than 1-1/2 years after former President Michel Aoun left office. The prolonged political paralysis in Lebanon has exacerbated the country’s challenges, including an acute financial crisis.

The meeting in Paris reflects international efforts to ease tensions and find a peaceful resolution to the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, as well as to address Lebanon’s broader political and economic challenges.