Sources following the government formation file mentioned that there is French-Emirati communication aimed at contributing to the resolution of the Lebanese government crisis.
Al-Manar channel reported, citing sources monitoring the government formation file, that in recent days there has been French-Emirati contact, where the French requested the Emiratis to assist in solving the Lebanese government crisis. The sources noted that the designated Prime Minister Saad Hariri is set to travel to the UAE after Egypt, where the government formation file is expected to be discussed. The sources revealed that the French envoy, who will visit Lebanon after Hariri returns from abroad, is the French president's advisor for Near Eastern affairs, Patrick Durel, adding that he will meet with the parties involved in the formation in an effort to push towards forming the government.
The Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar previously mentioned the potential emergence of an Emirati role in the Lebanese scene in the coming period. The newspaper indicated at the time that Hariri's recent visit to the UAE involved discussions with the officials he met, who expressed their concern for him and the Emirati readiness to provide financial requirements to prevent his political movement and institutions from collapsing. However, the newspaper continued by stating that away from Hariri's personal needs, the UAE—backed by Saudi Arabia—does not see itself as concerned with Lebanon or aiding it to emerge from its financial crisis, considering that the two Gulf states view Lebanon as belonging to the regionally opposing axis.
Al-Akhbar confirmed that the UAE and Saudi Arabia are not interested in supporting a government as long as Hezbollah remains influential, whether Hariri is its head or any other notable figure. The newspaper highlighted that the UAE put Hariri in a position of choice: either to side with them or they do not wish for him to lead the government. It became clear to the Emiratis that Hariri was incapable of achieving any breakthrough in the Lebanese arena, even if the required financial support was provided.
