France pushes Lebanon-Israel recognition as Beirut moves against Iranian influence

France has proposed a diplomatic framework to end the war in Lebanon that could require Beirut to take the unprecedented step of recognising Israel, according to Western diplomats.

The proposal, first reported by Axios, comes after the Iranian-backed militant group, Hezbollah, fired rockets and drones into Israel in retaliation for the assassination of Iran’s supreme leader.

The plan calls for negotiations between Israel and Lebanon on a political declaration that would include Lebanese recognition of Israel and commitments to prevent attacks from Lebanese territory.

It also envisages the Lebanese Armed Forces redeploying south of the Litani River, Israel withdrawing from areas captured during the current conflict, and international monitoring of Hezbollah’s disarmament.

According to Axios, Lebanon has accepted the French proposal as a basis for talks, reflecting growing concern in Beirut that continued fighting could devastate the country, already struggling with economic collapse and political paralysis.

French President Emmanuel Macron also urged Israel on Saturday to hold “direct talks” with Lebanon, saying Paris is ready to facilitate negotiations and host them in the French capital.

Iran’s influence in Lebanon

Even as diplomatic efforts gather momentum, the Lebanese government has already begun taking unprecedented internal steps to reduce Iranian influence and reassert state authority.

At a 5 March cabinet meeting, Lebanon ordered security agencies to investigate the presence of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in the country, and detain any operatives found there ahead of their expulsion.

The directive instructs the defence and interior ministries, municipalities, and internal security services to identify any IRGC personnel operating in the country and intervene immediately to prevent them from conducting any military or security activities – regardless of their affiliation or cover.

Lebanese officials said the decision is intended to safeguard the country’s sovereignty, strengthen the state’s authority, and protect citizens from the growing risks of regional escalation.

The order follows a previous government resolution declaring Hezbollah’s independent military activities illegal, and reaffirming Lebanon’s intention to assert control over armed activity across its territory.

Taken together, the measures represent one of the most direct challenges by the Lebanese state to Hezbollah and its Iranian backers in years.

Lebanese officials say Iran’s Quds Force – the branch of the IRGC responsible for overseas operations – has long maintained a presence in the country through a specialised unit sometimes referred to as the “Lebanon Corps”, which assists Hezbollah militarily, economically, and politically.

According to security sources, Iranian support has helped Hezbollah develop advanced weapons capabilities, including precision-guided missiles. Iran has also supplied arms, military training, intelligence and financial support that form a significant part of the group’s budget.

IRGC personnel are believed to maintain a presence in Lebanon to oversee Hezbollah’s operations and ensure they align with Iran’s broader regional strategy.

Lebanese security officials say Iranian involvement increased following the deaths of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and other senior figures in 2024, which created a leadership vacuum within the organisation.

Since then, Iran’s Lebanese branch within the IRGC is believed to have expanded its role in Hezbollah’s day-to-day management and reconstruction efforts.

Authorities also accuse another Quds Force unit – sometimes referred to as the “Palestine Corps” – of coordinating activities of Palestinian militant groups such as Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad from inside Lebanon.

These groups have received weapons, funding, and logistical support through Iranian networks operating within the country, officials say.

Israel prepares possible escalation

The government’s decision comes as Israel considers expanding its military campaign in Lebanon.

Israeli and US officials say Israel is preparing for a potential large-scale ground operation aimed at capturing territory south of the Litani River, and dismantling Hezbollah’s military infrastructure – a move that could become the largest Israeli ground invasion of Lebanon since the 2006 war.

Lebanese officials say removing IRGC operatives from the country could weaken Iran’s influence over events inside Lebanon, and disrupt coordination among militant groups operating there.

Whether the government will be able to enforce the order remains uncertain, given Hezbollah’s entrenched political and military power.

Still, officials say the move marks an important step towards restoring Lebanese sovereignty and limiting foreign military activity within its borders.

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