Macron Vows to Curb Lebanon-Israel Violence

French President Emmanuel Macron assured Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati that France is committed to doing “everything in its power” to prevent further escalation of violence between Lebanon and Israel, according to statements from Macron’s office.

During their meeting in Paris, Macron emphasized France’s ongoing support for Lebanon’s stability amidst increasing tensions in the Middle East, triggered by a Hamas attack on October 7 that led to significant casualties in southern Israel.

The Gaza health ministry reported that Israel’s subsequent offensive resulted in the deaths of at least 34,012 people, predominantly women and children.

Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has been actively exchanging fire with Israel since the conflict began, contributing to the heightened threat of a wider regional war. This threat was further exacerbated by Iran’s direct assault on Israel and subsequent Israeli counterstrikes last week.

Macron also highlighted France’s role in the U.N. peacekeeping mission along southern Lebanon’s border with Israel, stressing the importance of all parties’ responsibility in maintaining peace.

Furthermore, the discussion touched on Lebanon’s protracted political deadlock, which has left the country without a president since Michel Aoun’s term ended in October 2022, due to the ongoing stalemate in parliament between Hezbollah and its political adversaries.