Gulf sources to Al-Siyasah: Saudi Arabia and France launch a rescue plan for Lebanon
Paris and Riyadh Back Aoun’s Steps and Salam’s Approach
Beirut – “Al-Siyasa” – By Omar Al-Bardan
According to a reading by Gulf diplomatic sources, the French-Saudi statement following the summit that brought French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman together at the Élysée Palace indicates that Paris and Riyadh have laid out a roadmap to extricate Lebanon from its predicament, amid the stalemate characterizing Lebanese-Israeli negotiations. Sources told “Al-Siyasa” that the significance of the French-Saudi statement lies in grouping the disarmament of all armed groups and the complete withdrawal of the Israeli occupation from Lebanese territories into a single package, alongside the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and the enhancement of state and army capabilities. They noted that the file concerning the conference to support the Lebanese Army was discussed between President Macron and his guest, with Paris and Riyadh insisting on the necessity of Lebanon overcoming the crises it faces, a point underscored in the joint statement, which agreed to intensify efforts to reach a final resolution to the conflict in Lebanon, requiring the strengthening of the Lebanese state and its institutions, as well as the preservation of Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Sources revealed that Saudi Arabia informed the French side of its support for the steps taken by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s government to dismantle illegal arms, pending that such measures encompass all Lebanese regions and exclude no one. This was underscored in a joint statement that praised the steps taken by the Lebanese president and his government to rebuild institutions and extend state authority, while reaffirming commitment to supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces and security agencies, enabling them to fully discharge their national responsibilities. According to Gulf diplomatic sources, this refers to a conference on supporting the Lebanese army that Paris plans to organize next month. Lebanese presidential circles told “Al-Siyasa” that Beirut received positive signals from the French capital following the meeting between President Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, regarding Riyadh’s potential participation in the conference, which France is striving to convene in an attempt to re-enter the Lebanese arena after being sidelined by the United States, Israel, and Europe. The statement emphasized the importance of the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and the necessity of completing the disarmament of all armed groups, alongside Israel’s complete withdrawal from all Lebanese territories. Notably, the French-Saudi formulation gains special significance because it does not treat disarmament as a separate condition from Israeli withdrawal, but rather integrates both tracks into a comprehensive settlement. Israel insists on linking its withdrawal to concrete measures against Hezbollah’s arsenal, while Hezbollah refuses to discuss the file before halting military operations, withdrawing, and releasing Lebanese prisoners. The statement comes ahead of the next round of anticipated Lebanese-Israeli negotiations in Rome in early September, raising questions about whether Paris and Riyadh are working to translate these principles into an actionable political document, including a synchronized timetable for Israeli withdrawal, army deployment, and addressing the arms issue. “Al-Siyasa” learned that talks between Lebanese Army Chief General Rodolphe Heikel in Rome yielded positive results regarding Italy’s willingness to assume the task of verifying experimental zones, and that Italy is prepared to fill the gap left by UNIFIL forces upon the expiration of their mandate at the end of this year. UNIFIL spokesperson Annissa Messaoudi announced that UN forces continue to record widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure in southern Lebanon, noting that damage has affected homes, schools, and hospitals, as well as electricity and water networks.
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On another front, Iran is moving to appoint Mohammad Reza Sheibani as its envoy to Lebanon and Syria, a step that places him in a new regional role after being granted a six-month residence permit in Lebanon. This move follows critical reactions to the decision by Lebanese General Security Director Hassan Chkair. The anticipated position will grant Sheibani space to continue his political activities, hold meetings, and maintain contact with stakeholders concerned with the Lebanese and Syrian files. In a related development, MP Ashraf Rifi rejected the logic of “he who fights is the one who negotiates,” deeming such an approach incompatible with a sovereign and independent state. He warned against attempts to drag Lebanon into an Islamabad-style track, where Iran would negotiate on its behalf, describing the path as a confiscation of Lebanon’s sovereignty and a violation of its national decision. He affirmed that Lebanon is neither a battleground nor a bargaining chip for anyone, and that it negotiates for itself, with decisions made in Beirut, not Tehran.
