French President Emmanuel Macron chaired a Defense and National Security Council at the Élysée Palace on Tuesday evening, in the presence of key members of the government, to address escalating tensions in the Middle East, notably between Israel and Iran.
The head of state strongly condemned Iran’s recent attacks against Israel, reaffirming France’s commitment to the security of the Hebrew state. “France is mobilizing its military resources in the region to counter any Iranian threat,” he declared.
He also demanded that Hezbollah immediately cease its terrorist actions against Israel.
Regarding Lebanon, Macron expressed his concern at Israeli military operations and called for an immediate halt to hostilities, regretting the heavy civilian toll. “France is determined to act for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon, in strict compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 1701,” he said, reiterating France’s commitment to UNIFIL.
France, which is preparing to organize a conference in support of the Lebanese people and their institutions, calls on the Lebanese people to unite in the face of this crisis.
The President also emphasized the need for a lasting settlement to guarantee the safety of people on both sides of the Blue Line, while stressing the importance of displaced people returning to their homes in complete safety.
On site, the spokeswoman recalled that Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot relayed “the diplomatic solution put forward by the President of the Republic (Emmanuel Macron) and by (US) President (Joe) Biden, of a ceasefire.” “It’s a diplomatic path which is demanding but which, in our eyes, exists,” she said.
Finally, Macron called for reinforced measures to be taken for the safety of French nationals in Lebanon and the Middle East, while assuring that all measures would be taken to prevent repercussions of the crisis on French territory.
