BEIRUT: A planned international conference in Paris to support the Lebanese Armed Forces has been postponed amid escalating regional tensions following the latest US-Israeli-Iranian confrontation, Lebanese officials confirmed on Sunday.
Arab News has learned that French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to formally notify Lebanese President Joseph Aoun that the conference, originally scheduled for Thursday, cannot proceed because of the rapidly deteriorating security situation in the region, shifting international priorities, and disruptions to air travel affecting participants’ attendance.
France had planned to host the March 5 fundraising conference to mobilize international financial and logistical support for the Lebanese army, which continues to grapple with severe funding shortages during Lebanon’s prolonged economic crisis.
The army has been tasked since August with consolidating weapons under exclusive state control, a mission that has grown complex as operations expand north of the Litani River, a vast and densely populated area requiring significant manpower and equipment.
Lebanon committed to advancing disarmament efforts under the Nov. 2024 ceasefire agreement with Israel, with the army announcing the completion of the first phase in January.
