US, France push for mercenaries in south Lebanon as Israel delays withdrawal

The United States and France have proposed deploying private security contractors in southern Lebanon to persuade Israel to complete its withdrawal from the region, according to a report by Middle East Eye (MEE) published on Tuesday.

“France and the US are trying to encourage Israel to fully withdraw from south Lebanon by suggesting the deployment of a peacekeeping force or even private security companies in strategic areas,” MEE quoted a diplomatic source as saying.

A US diplomatic source revealed that Israel intends to maintain its presence in the south until February 28, despite Lebanon’s firm rejection of any continued occupation. The evacuation period for Israeli settlements in the area is set to end at the beginning of March.

French President Emmanuel Macron reportedly reached out to Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, informing him that Paris had conveyed Lebanon’s stance to Israel. “France offered to deploy French troops or UN peacekeepers at the sites instead,” a French diplomatic source disclosed. However, Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji said Israel dismissed the French plan.

In parallel, another US diplomatic source told MEE that Washington suggested deploying multinational forces or private contractors in the region. Lebanon has also rejected this proposal.

The idea of US mercenaries operating in a conflict zone is not unprecedented. American private military contractors are currently active in the Gaza Strip, where a fragile ceasefire remains in place after a year of Israel’s brutal campaign against Palestinians.

In response to these developments, Lebanese officials issued a joint statement on Tuesday reaffirming Lebanon’s unified stance on Israel’s continued occupation. The leaders stressed the urgent need for Israel’s full withdrawal in line with international resolutions, particularly UN Security Council Resolution 1701. They also condemned Israel’s repeated violations and criticized the failure to implement the US-French joint statement of November 26, 2024, which had outlined a phased Israeli withdrawal within 60 days.

Lebanese leaders further announced plans to escalate the issue to the UN Security Council, demanding immediate enforcement of Resolution 1701. The statement concluded with a strong assertion of Lebanon’s sovereign rights and its commitment to using all available means to secure Israel’s full withdrawal.