French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu and Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, on a joint visit to Lebanon, have underscored the critical importance of preserving the ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel. The ministers described the remaining 26 days of the 60-day ceasefire agreement as a “moment of fragility, or rather, a moment of truth,” with Lecornu stressing the need for vigilance to ensure stability during this sensitive period.

Speaking from the headquarters of the French contingent within the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in southern Lebanon, Lecornu emphasized the ongoing efforts by France and the United States to “neutralize potential threats” to the truce through a monitoring mechanism. He highlighted progress in the village of Khiam, one of several areas where Israeli forces are expected to withdraw and allow the Lebanese Army to take over.

“We are here to tell Lebanon to remain vigilant because this ceasefire is the key to what we are striving for,” Lecornu said, adding that it is also essential to “prevent regional escalation.” 

Barrot warned that the collapse of the ceasefire—secured through close Franco-American collaboration—would have “plunged Lebanon into chaos.” Lecornu acknowledged the fragility of the ceasefire, noting that preserving it requires “significant effort.” 

Barrot outlined France’s three priorities for Lebanon: providing humanitarian aid, ensuring the ceasefire becomes permanent, and promoting Lebanon’s economic, social, and political recovery. On the latter, he stressed the urgency of electing a new president to fill the country’s institutional vacuum.

“The first step toward recovery is electing a president who can unite the Lebanese people and embody Lebanon’s unity in its diversity,” Barrot said, urging Lebanese political leaders to seize the opportunity of the parliamentary session on January 9 to elect a new head of state.

Barrot also emphasized the need for an effective government and functioning institutions to spearhead Lebanon’s reconstruction efforts. He described the damage caused by the recent conflict as “monumental,” with reconstruction costs estimated at $10 billion. Lebanon’s government, he noted, lacks the financial resources to begin the process.

Addressing criticism of UNIFIL’s perceived ineffectiveness, Lecornu defended the mission’s role, asserting that without it, “the situation in southern Lebanon would have been worse.” He described UNIFIL as “the best possible solution” under the circumstances, noting that “inventing something new to replace it would be extremely challenging” given the constraints of the UN Security Council.

Lecornu clarified that UNIFIL’s mandate is limited to “observing and reporting,” as it is not a peacekeeping force. This reality, he explained, necessitated the creation of the monitoring mechanism led by the United States, with France playing a supporting role, to oversee the ceasefire.

Lecornu highlighted France’s efforts to strengthen the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) to assume greater responsibility for maintaining stability.

“We are making significant efforts to empower the Lebanese Armed Forces, and France is playing its part,” he said. “Without our presence, the situation would undoubtedly be worse.”

Barrot concluded by stressing the broader implications of the ceasefire for regional stability.

“This ceasefire is not just key to our immediate goals but also critical to preventing a wider escalation,” he said.