France to Host Conference to Support Lebanese Army

France has announced plans to host an international conference in February 2026 aimed at supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces, with participation from France, the United States, and Saudi Arabia, French officials said on Thursday.

The announcement was made by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot following extensive talks in Paris that brought together French, Saudi, and US officials alongside Lebanese Army Commander General Rodolphe Haykal. Discussions focused on strengthening state authority in Lebanon and limiting the possession of weapons to the Lebanese state.

In a post on X, Barrot said France, the United States, and Saudi Arabia reaffirmed their support for the Lebanese Army and for the Lebanese government’s plan to disarm non-state actors. His remarks were widely understood as a reference to the armed wing of Hezbollah.

Barrot added that the three countries agreed to convene an international conference in February 2026 to mobilize political and financial backing for the Lebanese Army, though he did not specify the exact date or location of the meeting.

Separately, French Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pascal Confavreux told reporters that participants in the Paris talks, whose identities were not disclosed, agreed on the need to formally document the Lebanese Army’s efforts to disarm Hezbollah in a serious and evidence-based manner. He added that discussions also focused on reinforcing the existing ceasefire mechanism.

The planned conference comes amid growing international concern over Lebanon’s security situation and the role of the Lebanese Army as a central pillar of stability at a time of heightened regional tensions.