Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam met with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace this Tuesday, April 21. In a press conference, the two leaders stressed the need for the "disarmament" of the Shiite group Hezbollah, as well as the withdrawal of the Israeli Army from southern Lebanon to achieve stability in the region, while they trust in new talks with the Jewish-majority State regarding the ceasefire that, for now, continues provisionally. In addition, they noted that they discussed the possible end of the UN mission in Lebanese territory and announced an international conference for the reconstruction of Lebanon.

First modification: 04/21/2026 - 20:47 Last modification: 04/21/2026 - 21:25

The President of France, Emmanuel Macron, and the Prime Minister of Lebanon, Nawaf Salam, offered a joint press conference this Tuesday in which they addressed the security situation in the south of the country, the role of the international community and the need to move towards regional stability after the escalation with Israel.

Both leaders agreed on the need to strengthen international support for Lebanon, promote diplomatic negotiations and move towards the disarmament of Hezbollah, while calling for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanese territory.

Israeli withdrawal and disarmament of Hezbollah, the bet for Lebanon

One of the main points addressed was the military situation in southern Lebanon. Salam insisted that the priority is to achieve Israel's complete withdrawal.

"We want a complete withdrawal of Israel from southern Lebanon," said the prime minister, who also called for the return of Lebanese prisoners and the return of displaced people to their homes.

The head of the Lebanese Executive stressed that the country's stability also depends on the disarmament of Hezbollah. "The absolute priority is for Hezbollah to be disarmed, but we cannot have complete stability without Israel withdrawing its troops," he declared.

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Macron agreed with this diagnosis and assured that regional stability will only be possible if the Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory occurs. He also stated that Hezbollah must stop attacks against Israel.

Military support and reconstruction of the country is also at the center of the objectives of Paris and Beirut. The French president announced that France will promote initiatives to strengthen the Lebanese Armed Forces and support the reconstruction of the country.

"We are going to organize a summit when necessary for the Lebanese Armed Forces and a conference for reconstruction," explained Macron, who added that France will make commitments to rebuild the areas affected by the bombings.

In addition, the French president highlighted the sending of humanitarian aid. "We have sent 60 tons of assistance and in the next few days we will send another ten tons," he said.

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Diplomacy and regional negotiation

For his part, Salam defended that only the Lebanese Government can negotiate on behalf of the country and stressed the need to involve international partners.

"The only person who can negotiate for Lebanon is the Lebanese government," he said, highlighting that Beirut seeks to mobilize regional and European allies to achieve a lasting agreement.

The prime minister also confirmed direct contacts with Israel, including meetings held at the headquarters of the US State Department, with the aim of moving towards a ceasefire.

Macron supported this approach, saying that "it is in Lebanon's interests to have as many regional neighbors in the talks as necessary."

Read alsoMacron meets with the Lebanese Prime Minister in Paris to "reaffirm his commitment" to the truce with Israel

Macron rules out a new UNIFIL mission

During the appearance, Macron ruled out the creation of a new mission of the United Nations Interim Force for Lebanon, known as UNIFIL 3, although he left the door open to another form of international presence.

"There will be no UNIFIL 3 in Lebanon. We already had a mandate that ended in 1978," said the French president, who stressed that, despite this, an international presence will be necessary to contribute to stability.

The president added that the continuity of the mission of the United Nations will depend on the consensus between the Lebanese authorities and the international community. "For the stability of Lebanon there must be support now," he said, reiterating that the country "will always count on France."

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Criticism of Israel and European debate

During the press conference, Macron also criticized the latest decisions of the Israeli Government and called on Europe to take a firmer stance.

"The latest decisions taken by the Israeli Government must be condemned," said the French president, who asked to reflect on the Association Agreement between the European Union and Israel.

"We cannot stand still," he added, referring to the situation in the West Bank and Lebanon.

Meanwhile, both leaders agreed on the need to convene an international summit to address the situation in Lebanon. Salam assured that the country is preparing to promote this initiative with the support of its partners.

Macron, for his part, reiterated France's commitment to Lebanese sovereignty. "Things cannot continue as they have in recent years. France will ensure that respect for sovereignty is the only path for the countries of the region," he concluded.

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