France's Foreign Minister Pursues Peace Proposals Between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon
France's foreign minister is visiting Lebanon to propose measures to prevent a war between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah.
France has previously suggested Hezbollah's elite unit withdraw 10 km from the Israeli border, while Israel halts strikes in southern Lebanon.
However, these proposals have not been implemented due to recent escalations, including Israeli strikes on Iranian targets in Syria.
France wants to keep the dialogue going and warn Lebanese officials of potential Israeli military action in the region.
Hezbollah refuses to discuss concrete issues until there's a ceasefire in Gaza, where the conflict between Israel and Hamas is in its sixth month.
Israel aims for calm on its northern border to allow displaced citizens to return without fear of attacks.
France proposes a peace initiative to prevent further deterioration between Israel and Lebanon, which Lebanon's government supports.
Both Israeli and Lebanese leaders met with French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss the proposal.
The French government is engaging with Lebanese authorities regarding a proposed accord to reduce tensions between Lebanon and Israel.
However, Lebanese responses have been general and lack consensus.
The French believe it's important to begin discussions now to prepare for a potential agreement, while acknowledging that it may still be too early.
The political deadlock in Lebanon, which lacks a head of state and a fully empowered cabinet since October 2022, adds urgency to the situation.
Israel has been cautious about the French initiative but supports defusing cross-border tensions.
A Lebanese diplomat expressed skepticism, predicting that tensions will continue.
France maintains a military presence in southern Lebanon as part of a UN peacekeeping force.
UN officials have stated that troops are struggling to fulfill their mandate in Lebanon.
France is proposing solutions, including strengthening the Lebanese army.
Following Lebanon, French Defense Minister Sejourne will visit Saudi Arabia and Israel.
Meanwhile, Arab and Western foreign ministers, including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, will discuss the Gaza war with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas during informal talks on the sidelines of a World Economic Forum event in Riyadh.
However, these proposals have not been implemented due to recent escalations, including Israeli strikes on Iranian targets in Syria.
France wants to keep the dialogue going and warn Lebanese officials of potential Israeli military action in the region.
Hezbollah refuses to discuss concrete issues until there's a ceasefire in Gaza, where the conflict between Israel and Hamas is in its sixth month.
Israel aims for calm on its northern border to allow displaced citizens to return without fear of attacks.
France proposes a peace initiative to prevent further deterioration between Israel and Lebanon, which Lebanon's government supports.
Both Israeli and Lebanese leaders met with French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss the proposal.
The French government is engaging with Lebanese authorities regarding a proposed accord to reduce tensions between Lebanon and Israel.
However, Lebanese responses have been general and lack consensus.
The French believe it's important to begin discussions now to prepare for a potential agreement, while acknowledging that it may still be too early.
The political deadlock in Lebanon, which lacks a head of state and a fully empowered cabinet since October 2022, adds urgency to the situation.
Israel has been cautious about the French initiative but supports defusing cross-border tensions.
A Lebanese diplomat expressed skepticism, predicting that tensions will continue.
France maintains a military presence in southern Lebanon as part of a UN peacekeeping force.
UN officials have stated that troops are struggling to fulfill their mandate in Lebanon.
France is proposing solutions, including strengthening the Lebanese army.
Following Lebanon, French Defense Minister Sejourne will visit Saudi Arabia and Israel.
Meanwhile, Arab and Western foreign ministers, including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, will discuss the Gaza war with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas during informal talks on the sidelines of a World Economic Forum event in Riyadh.
Translation:
Translated by AI
