France says Lebanon should be 'shielded' from Middle East crises
Jerusalem PostNov 27, 2021
France to Give Armored Vehicles to Lebanese Army
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Image copyright: Christian Liewig - Corbis [via Getty Images]
The Facts
French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu said on Monday that France intends to send dozens of armored vehicles to the Lebanese army, to allow it to effectively conduct patrol missions.
After a recent trip to Lebanon, Lecornu stated that the Lebanese national army must be strengthened, so it can coordinate successfully with the UN peacekeeping force stationed in south Lebanon as tensions rise between Israel and Hezbollah, a powerful Iran-backed political party and armed group.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
France has strong historical ties to Lebanon and its people, owing largely to the country's extensive diplomatic involvement in the region. France also perceives instability in the Middle East as a threat to its own security, thus explaining its interest in strengthening military ties with the country. It makes perfect sense that the French would send military equipment as part of this effort.
Establishment-critical narrative
The French are kidding themselves if they think that the Lebanese people will suddenly forget France's support for Israel's ruthless assault on Gaza, just because it plans to send some armored vehicles to the Lebanese army. France can warn and threaten Hezbollah all it wants, but this will have no impact on Hezbollah's resistance to Israel and the daily attacks it carries out on the border.