Washington has refused to grant France a larger role in the Lebanon-Israel “Mechanism” committee despite Paris’s attempts to participate more actively in the talks, sources told Nidaa Al-Watan newspaper. 

The Mechanism, established after the November 27, 2024 ceasefire agreement, was originally designed as a military and technical body to coordinate security and operational matters between Lebanon and Israel under UN supervision. Recent developments, however, have broadened its scope, particularly with the appointment of former Lebanese ambassador Simon Karam as the country’s civilian and political lead negotiator.

According to sources familiar with the file, French foreign envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian has expressed interest in attending the upcoming session, signaling Paris’s desire to expand its presence in Lebanon and the broader region. But U.S. officials have made it clear that while allies may provide support in de-escalation or encourage Lebanon to confine its weapons and advance negotiations, the ultimate authority rests solely with Washington.

“The American administration supervises the entire process,” a source told Nidaa Al-Watan. “Nothing France does in the Mechanism can override the U.S. line. All communications to Lebanon and Israel go directly through Washington, executed via U.S. envoys, and any expanded French involvement is off-limits.”

The U.S. control over the Mechanism is part of a broader strategy to ensure Lebanon complies with security agreements and to maintain oversight of Lebanon-Israel negotiations, while limiting external influence, even from close allies. Sources note that France has historically sought to maintain independent channels with regional actors, including Hezbollah and Iran, which has contributed to Washington’s caution.

Despite France’s interest, the upcoming session is expected to follow the existing structure: chaired by a U.S. general with a French deputy, technical and political discussions led by Lebanon’s delegation, and U.S. oversight ensuring the process aligns with Washington’s objectives.