Macron calls for 'direct talks' between Israel and Lebanon
French President Macron said France ‘is ready to host talks between Lebanon and Israel’ aimed at reducing tensions with Hezbollah
Emmanuel Macron on Saturday urged Israel to accept “direct discussions” with authorities in Lebanon in order to prevent further escalation in the region, saying France is prepared to host the talks in Paris.
In a message posted on X, the French president said he spoke on Friday with several Lebanese leaders, including Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and parliament speaker Nabih Berri.
Macron stressed the importance of launching dialogue involving “the Lebanese executive and all components” of the country.
“Everything must be done to prevent Lebanon from sinking into chaos,” Macron said. He also called on Hezbollah to “immediately stop its headlong rush,” while urging Israel to avoid a large-scale ground offensive and halt its heavy strikes in Lebanon.
https://x.com/i/web/status/2032757313631621205
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Macron warned about the humanitarian impact of the fighting, noting that hundreds of thousands of people have already fled bombardments in several parts of Lebanon. According to him, only a diplomatic solution can prevent long-term destabilization of the country.
The French initiative comes as tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have sharply increased in recent weeks. The Iran-backed Shiite militant group has stepped up rocket and drone attacks toward northern Israel, while Israeli forces continue to strike Hezbollah positions inside Lebanon.