Macron urges Israel to avoid ground offensive in Lebanon, warns of regional destabilization

2026-03-05 - 08:12

French President Emmanuel Macron issued a dual appeal Wednesday, urging Israel to avoid a ground offensive in Lebanon while demanding Hezbollah immediately halt its attacks against the Jewish state. Speaking after telephone conversations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Macron described the situation along the border as "very worrying" and warned that Hezbollah's escalation strategy represents "a major mistake that puts the entire region at risk." Respect for Sovereignty and Ceasefire Return Macron specifically called on Netanyahu "to preserve Lebanon's territorial integrity and to refrain from a ground offensive," emphasizing the importance of all parties returning to the existing ceasefire agreement. His remarks came as Israeli forces have intensified strikes across Lebanon, including a ground incursion announced Tuesday and airstrikes that have killed dozens in recent days. France maintains close ties with Lebanon, its former mandate territory, and has significant military and diplomatic interests in preserving Lebanese stability. French Diplomatic Engagement Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot separately conveyed France's solidarity with those affected by recent Iranian attacks while stressing that Lebanon's territorial integrity must be respected. In a conversation with his Israeli counterpart Gideon Sa'ar, Barrot condemned Hezbollah's rocket and drone launches but insisted that Lebanese non-combatants be spared from violence. The discussion also addressed broader security challenges posed by Iran, including its nuclear and ballistic programs, with Barrot underscoring the necessity of a "long-term response" to regional destabilization and reiterating that a diplomatic shift is essential for collective security.