Lebanon PM and Macron Discuss Strengthening Lebanon's Position in Israel Talks
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and French President Emmanuel Macron are set to discuss strategies to bolster Lebanon's position in potential direct negotiations with Israel. These talks are scheduled to occur in the United States later this week. The discussions come amid a fragile 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, an Iran-backed group. France, which has historical ties with Lebanon, has been involved in mediating the conflict, having brokered a ceasefire in 2024. However, France's relations with Israel have deteriorated due to its stance on Gaza and the West Bank and its interactions with Hezbollah's political wing. Israel has expressed skepticism about France's role, with its ambassador to Washington suggesting that France should be excluded from talks, citing a lack of positive influence. 
