World powers raise $1 billion for Lebanon, but ceasefire elusive

World powers raised $1 billion at a Paris conference on Thursday to address the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon and support its army, with France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot urging Israel to agree to a ceasefire and pursue diplomacy.

Despite the significant aid raised, doubts linger regarding the long-term impact of such efforts without tackling Hezbollah’s influence in the region.

Barrot emphasized the need for Israel to agree to a ceasefire, reiterating that a Franco-American proposal for a temporary truce remains on the table. 

"The message [for Israel] is simple: Cease fire!" Barrot stated at a press conference. However, many observers view Barrot's call as naïve, warning that a ceasefire could allow Hezbollah to regroup and rearm. Critics argue that it doesn't take an expert to see the potential risks involved.

Of the $1 billion raised, over $800 million will go toward helping one million displaced Lebanese, providing food, healthcare, and education. $200 million will be allocated to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), which is seen as a stabilizing force and vital to the implementation of UN Resolution 1701, which calls for southern Lebanon to be free of armed groups other than the Lebanese state.

Hezbollah and Iran: The Elephant in the Room

While the conference gathered 70 government delegations and 15 international organizations, one glaring omission from the discussions was the role of Hezbollah and Iran.

Despite calls from U.S. diplomats and Lebanon’s Prime Minister for the disarmament of Hezbollah, the conference largely avoided directly addressing the group’s destabilizing role in the region. Critics, including those in the international community, believe that no real solution to Lebanon's ongoing conflict is possible without addressing Hezbollah's military presence and Iran’s influence.

France, with its historical ties to Lebanon, has worked closely with Washington to secure a ceasefire, although their approaches differ.

After Israel rejected a 21-day ceasefire plan proposed by Paris in September, French influence has been diminished.

President Emmanuel Macron opened the conference with a call to avoid a return to cycles of violence, but his speech offered no concrete solutions to the underlying issues. Macron’s critics argue that his rhetoric often lacks substance, pointing to the absence of strong measures against Hezbollah or Iran.

The conference may have raised essential humanitarian aid, but with Israel continuing its military campaign against Hezbollah, and no firm action taken to disarm Hezbollah, it remains unclear how effective this financial support will be in restoring peace and stability in Lebanon.