France's Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu is urging Gulf states to find ways to bolster Lebanon's armed forces, saying they will be crucial for securing border areas after Israel's war with Hezbollah.
"I have reiterated to each counterpart that we need them to support the Lebanese armed forces," Lecornu said after visits to Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
"Both in the central role they play in welfare matters, and in the security aspect. We will have to think about more operational support on the military side."
Lecornu's appeal came following talks with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed of the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi.
Diplomatic efforts are intensifying to secure a ceasefire based on United Nations Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel.
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The resolution called for the deployment of Lebanese government forces and United Nations peacekeeping force Unfil in areas south of Lebanon's Litani River near the Israeli border.
Security
"There isn't a better solution at this stage than to respect Resolution 1701 and to support the Lebanese armed forces," Lecornu said.
"To secure the border between Israel and Lebanon, and to reinforce Lebanon's sovereignty, the armed forces must be properly armed," he added.
Israel attacks on Lebanon over the weekend
Israel expanded the focus of its operations from Gaza to Lebanon in September, vowing to secure its northern border to allow tens of thousands of people displaced by cross-border fire to return home.
Since the clashes began with Hezbollah attacks on Israel, more than 3,510 people in Lebanon have been killed, according to authorities, with most fatalities recorded since late September.
Last month, a conference in Paris raised $200 million (€188 million) to support the Lebanese armed forces, on top of $800 million (€755 million) in humanitarian aid for the country.
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The Lebanese army, which plays a crucial role in maintaining stability in the deeply divided country, struggles to meet the basic needs of its 80,000 soldiers.
It has previously received financial assistance from Qatar and the United States to pay salaries.
Next month, the French President, Emmanuel Macron, will travel to Saudi Arabia. His visit is expected to focus on defence contracts and investment in new technologies.
(With newswires)
