France to supply Lebanon with 100 anti-tank missiles - Jerusalem Post
Shipment to be delivered by February with no conditions attached, French official says; letter of confirmation sent to PM Hariri
Only an official diplomatic agency could think like this. As you follow this logic, back away if it feels like some neurons are about to pop.
Earlier this week, France tells Israel it will support it against Iran, no matter what. But, tensions are very high in Lebanon, which the French still want in their sphere. Right now, Lebanon is torn between Syria and Iran. So, here’s some French candy, just to let them know France still loves Lebanon.
Soon, the UN will be releasing its report on the Hariri Sr. assassination. Speculation is that Hezbollah will be fingered for the hit. This could cause upheaval in the society.
The unifying meme in all Arab countries is antisemitism, everyone comes together to hate on the Jews. So, there is this ‘spy scandal’ where the Lebanese found surveillance equipment—with ID information written in Hebrew, and a made in Israel blurb.
If Hezbollah gets angry at the UN report, there is speculation that it will stage a coup and take over all of Lebanon.
France assumes that if this happens, Israel might invade Lebanon, which will make matters worse. So they provide this disincentive for Israel to invade. Also, providing the missiles to the Hariri Jr. government shows that the more liberal party also can bring home defense against Israel—thereby stealing some Hezbollah talking points.
They are assuming that Hezbollah will not launch its arsenal of missiles at Israel while simultaneously trying to take over the Lebanese government.
So there you go.