Lebanon is stepping up preparations for a September 17 conference in Paris aimed at mobilizing international support for the Lebanese army, as Beirut seeks to secure broader backing and equipment for the military at a critical stage for the country.

Local and international efforts have been underway to ensure strong participation in the meeting, which is expected to bring together senior political and military officials as well as representatives of international organizations and financial institutions.

According to information obtained by Al Markazia, the conference will be chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Jordan’s King Abdullah II. More than 30 military chiefs of staff from participating countries are expected to attend, including representatives from Saudi Arabia, alongside officials from international organizations, funds and financial institutions.

A Lebanese official told Al Markazia that King Abdullah has taken a personal interest in ensuring the conference succeeds. The Jordanian monarch has been following preparations closely and personally overseeing contacts aimed at securing the widest possible international participation, the official said.

The army command has prepared a detailed assessment of its needs that is expected to be presented at the conference. The study outlines the military’s material and logistical requirements, particularly its need for advanced weapons and equipment that would enable it to carry out its missions in southern Lebanon.

The Lebanese position is that a strong State requires a strong army capable of carrying out its responsibilities, particularly in the south, where the military faces the challenge of asserting state authority amid continuing security tensions.

U.S. and Saudi participation

U.S. participation has also been a focus of preparations.

Contrary to reports that Washington might not attend, the Lebanese official told Al Markazia that the United States would be represented at the meeting by Gen. Joseph Clearfield, described by the source as head of the Lebanon Military Coordination Group and the official responsible for the committee overseeing and coordinating the framework agreement in southern Lebanon, known as the “mechanism.”

Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, is expected to participate through its envoy to Lebanon, Prince Yazid bin Farhan, according to the information cited by Al Markazia.

The participation of Riyadh, the sources said, would underscore broader Arab and international interest in supporting the Lebanese military and strengthening its capabilities in the next phase.