Insights from the American-French Summit

“Lebanon Debate”

All eyes were on the outcomes of the American-French summit in Normandy, which addressed several issues, including the Russian-Ukrainian war and the ongoing conflicts between Israel, Hezbollah, and Gaza. However, the burning question remains: did the summit address the Lebanese crisis, spanning from the southern warfront to the presidential stalemate and economic turmoil?

In this context, political analyst and author Ali Hamada explained to Lebanon Debate that there is no doubt the summit between French President Emmanuel Macron and American President Joe Biden tackled the Lebanese file.

However, Hamada pointed out that it was primarily Macron who brought forth on the discussion table the Lebanese file, rather than Biden, clearly mirroring the urgency to de-escalate tensions along the Lebanese-Israeli borders.

Hamada emphasized that this issue marked the first instance where both American and French leaders unequivocally agreed on the imperative need for immediate resolution to the looming danger of a full-scale war threatens Lebanon, especially amidst escalating tensions between Hezbollah and Israel.

When asked about its impact on the presidential elections, Hamada responded that he don’t think it will sway its course. He further detailed that the presidential file will remain frozen as both Shiite party, Hezbollah and Amal movement are adamant on their candidate, Sleiman Frangieh, while the other Christian opposing parties are in no way considering Frangieh s candidacy.

The analyst asserted that the problem has two dimensions: an internal dimension because Hezbollah wants to impose a president it favors, and an external dimension because international forces, such as the US, Iran, and Arab countries, can impose an agreement on all concerned parties, including Hezbollah.

However, the time for such action has not yet come.

"نشوب حرب على لبنان خطر حقيقي... وأمران يحولان دون انتخاب رئيس!"