France, Egypt, Lebanon Push to End Israeli Strikes as Paris Hosts 3 Leaders

French President Emmanuel Macron hosted Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Jordan's King Abdullah II in Paris on Wednesday to discuss Lebanon's security and support for its army, as Israel continues strikes in southern Lebanon [243315][243312]. The talks come amid growing uncertainty over the future of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), the peacekeeping mission currently helping secure southern Lebanon, which is set to withdraw at the end of 2026 [243297].

France is pushing for what it calls a "clear, credible and realistic" plan to support Lebanon, including funding, equipment and military training [243315]. Aoun met Macron at the Elysee Palace to discuss ways to end Israeli attacks on Lebanon and to prepare for a three-way meeting on support for the Lebanese army and security forces before a larger conference on aid for Lebanon [243382]. No date has been announced for the trilateral talks [243382].

Aoun called for long-term international support for his country's army and security forces, saying that strengthening state authority is a Lebanese choice. He urged the world to keep helping these institutions over time, not just for a short period [243369].

Concern is growing over who will secure Lebanon's border after UNIFIL leaves, with France seeking to avoid a security vacuum [243297]. Israeli strikes continue in southern Lebanon, including a wave of airstrikes, artillery shelling, and demolition operations across several towns and villages [240574][243297].

In a separate diplomatic effort, Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty spoke by phone with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam to discuss the latest developments in Lebanon. The call is part of ongoing consultations between the two countries, with both sides exchanging views on regional developments and exploring ways to strengthen bilateral relations [243393].

Meanwhile, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a phone call from Macron on Wednesday. The two leaders discussed regional developments and the security of maritime navigation, covering the latest events in the region and efforts to protect shipping lanes [242896].

The diplomatic activity comes as Lebanon and Israel's ambassadors met in Washington on Tuesday to discuss the diplomatic deadlock between the two countries. A Lebanese official source said the two envoys would discuss developments in Lebanon and the mechanism for implementing a framework agreement [242128].