France to support Lebanon against US-Israeli pressure, report says

France is reportedly preparing a new diplomatic initiative aimed at consolidating a ceasefire reached in late November between Lebanon and Israel, and supporting Lebanon as Israel and the U.S. pressure the war-hit country into direct negotiations.

Kuwait's al-Jarida newspaper claimed Monday that France's special envoy to Lebanon Jean-Yves Le Drian will visit Lebanon soon to discuss the reconstruction and support the country as Washington seeks to form three committees to negotiate sticking points between Lebanon and Israel -- including the release of Lebanese prisoners, the remaining disputed points along the Blue Line, and the remaining 5 points where Israeli forces are still deployed.

"Lebanon has agreed on a military-technical committee and is awaiting support from France," al-Jarida said, adding that Israel is seeking to intensify its military pressure on Lebanon to gain concessions and push Lebanon into negotiations.