Macron says France to hold confab to back Lebanese army after Israeli election

French President Emmanuel Macron said Wednesday that France will organize a conference to support the Lebanese army after Israeli elections this month, decrying what he called untenable pressure on Beirut. Israeli troops occupy a zone in south Lebanon since March. A US-backed framework agreement for Hezbollah disarmament and Israeli withdrawal has stalled.

French President Emmanuel Macron said Wednesday that France will organize a conference to support the Lebanese army, to be held after Israeli elections this month. Speaking in Doha, Qatar, Macron decried what he called untenable pressure on Lebanon. Israeli troops currently occupy a swath of south Lebanon after invading in March in response to Hezbollah attacks, with a self-declared security zone running about 10 kilometers inside Lebanon. Israel says it will remain as long as Hezbollah is a threat and has carried out large-scale demolitions in villages, citing terror infrastructure. Lebanese authorities have agreed to disarm Hezbollah but made little progress. A US-backed framework agreement signed in June involving Hezbollah disarmament, Israeli withdrawal, and Lebanese army deployment has largely stalled. Hezbollah has rejected the agreements. Last month, Macron hosted Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Jordan's King Abdullah II for support. Macron stated that demands and pressure on Lebanon and challenged sovereignty are not the best way to address Hezbollah. The article also includes a fundraising appeal from the editor.