France seeks to prevent Israel-Hezbollah conflict from escalating

France has historic ties with Lebanon and earlier this year Stephane Sejourne put forward an initiative that would see Hezbollah's elite unit withdraw 10km from the Israeli border, while Israel would halt attacks in southern Lebanon.

French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne attends the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting on the island of Capri, Italy on April 18, 2024. Photo: REUTERS

The two sides have been carrying out tit-for-tat attacks in recent months, and the intensity has increased since Iran launched a barrage of missiles at Israel.

The French proposal has been discussed with partners, especially the United States. Although it has not yet been implemented, Paris wants to keep the momentum of the talks going and has stressed to Lebanese officials that Israeli threats of a military operation in southern Lebanon must be taken seriously.

Hezbollah has said it will not engage in any specific discussions until there is a ceasefire in Gaza, where the war between Israel and the Islamist militant group Hamas has entered its sixth month.

Israel also said it wanted to ensure calm was restored to its northern border so that thousands of displaced Israelis could return to the area, without fear of rocket attack from across the border.

“The goal is to prevent conflict in the region and avoid a further deterioration of the situation on the border between Israel and Lebanon,” French Foreign Ministry deputy spokesman Christophe Lemoine said at a press conference.

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Nikati and Lebanese Army Commander Joseph Aoun met with French President Emmanuel Macron earlier this month to discuss the French proposal.

In a letter to the French Embassy in Beirut in March, the Lebanese Foreign Ministry said Beirut believes the French initiative will be an important step towards peace and security in Lebanon and the wider region.

Israel remains cautious about the French initiative, although Israeli and French officials say Israel supports efforts to ease cross-border tensions.

France has 700 troops stationed in southern Lebanon as part of a 10,000-strong UN peacekeeping force. After Lebanon, Mr Sejourne will travel to Saudi Arabia before heading to Israel.

Mai Anh (according to Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/ngoai-truong-phap-den-tham-lebanon-tim-cach-ngan-chan-xung-dot-israel-hezbollah-post293553.html