French FM Warns Beirut of Possible Israeli War

France’s leading diplomat has alerted Lebanese officials about a potential Israeli military offensive aimed at repatriating citizens displaced by ongoing cross-border hostilities, Lebanon’s Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib disclosed. The warning comes amid regular exchanges of fire between Hezbollah and Israel for almost four months following the Gaza conflict, displacing thousands from their homes along the border.

French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne conveyed concerns about a possible Israeli declaration of war to facilitate the return of displaced individuals, Bou Habib shared with the press following discussions with Sejourne. Lebanon expressed its desire to avoid conflict with Israel, advocating for a border agreement mediated by the United Nations, France, and the United States.

Sejourne’s visit, marking his first tour of the region since assuming office, included meetings with Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Army Chief Joseph Aoun, and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, who is allied with Hezbollah.

In conversations in Jerusalem, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz warned Sejourne of the diminishing timeframe for a diplomatic resolution in southern Lebanon.

Sejourne’s trip to Beirut is part of a series of visits by Western officials, driven by concerns that the Gaza war might trigger a broader regional conflict involving Iran’s allies.

A source close to the French Foreign Minister revealed to AFP that Sejourne proposed diplomatic measures to prevent further escalation between the two adversarial nations but did not delve into specifics. The aim was to motivate all involved parties to demonstrate their commitment to maintaining peace and security in southern Lebanon and northern Israel.

Efforts in recent diplomacy have concentrated on reinforcing a U.N. Security Council resolution that concluded the 2006 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. This resolution mandates the withdrawal of all armed groups from the area north of the Litani River, leaving only Lebanese state security forces and U.N. peacekeepers.

Despite Hezbollah’s reduced visible military presence along the border since 2006, the group continues to exert influence in southern Lebanon, constructing tunnels and outposts for launching attacks into Israel.

When asked about Lebanon’s stance, Bou Habib highlighted the need for additional troops to be stationed in the south, denying intentions to align with Israeli demands for Hezbollah’s border withdrawal.

He emphasized Lebanon’s aspiration for comprehensive peace and Israel’s full withdrawal from all disputed Lebanese territories.

Bou Habib is scheduled to meet Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry next.

The conflict has resulted in at least 226 deaths in Lebanon, including Hezbollah fighters and civilians, and the deaths of nine soldiers and six civilians in northern Israel, as per official counts.