France said Lebanon's recovery remains precarious despite a November 2024 truce and a government transition, and offered reconstruction support only if Beirut sustains reforms and passes key laws. Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said Paris could host a reconstruction conference provided Lebanon completes banking restructuring, reaches an IMF agreement and approves a loss-sharing law. He also urged rapid progress on Hezbollah disarmament and called for respect for the ceasefire, including an Israeli withdrawal and protection of civilians.
France Conditions Reconstruction Aid for Lebanon as Truce Gains Remain Fragile
French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot meets with Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, in Beirut, Lebanon, February 6, 2026. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir
France warned on Friday that Lebanon's recovery remains fragile despite encouraging signs from a November 2024 ceasefire and a recent government transition, and said it would back reconstruction only if Beirut follows through on promised reforms.
French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot, speaking after meetings in Beirut with President Joseph Aoun and other senior officials, said Paris is prepared to host a dedicated reconstruction conference — but only if reforms continue, key legislation is approved and decisions are implemented.
Barrot noted that Lebanon has enacted banking secrecy and bank-resolution laws, but still needs to complete broader banking restructuring, secure an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and pass a loss-sharing law to stabilise its financial system.
French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot meets with Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, in Beirut, Lebanon, February 6, 2026. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir
He again urged swift progress on Hezbollah disarmament and national reconciliation, saying Lebanon has reached a crucial moment in implementing the truce with Israel and restoring state authority over weapons. At the same time, Barrot stressed that Lebanon must work quickly to rebuild confidence among citizens, businesses, depositors and the diaspora.
France also plans a separate conference in Paris on March 5 to mobilise international support for the Lebanese Armed Forces and internal security units. This event is intended to rally bilateral and multilateral backing for Lebanon's security institutions as part of a broader effort to consolidate the ceasefire gains.
“France’s immediate focus is ensuring respect for the ceasefire,” Barrot said, adding that this requires Israel to withdraw from Lebanese territory in accordance with its commitments and for civilians to be protected from strikes, alongside Lebanese implementation of an agreed state arms monopoly.
Beirut has pledged to place all arms under state control under the 2024 agreement that helped end a destructive conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, and has extended state authority in areas closest to the border. Hezbollah, however, has warned that attempts to disarm the group nationwide could trigger chaos or even civil war — a risk that Lebanon’s leaders and international partners must weigh as they press for implementation.
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