Macron to Netanyahu: Prevent Israel-Hezbollah ‘Conflagration’

French President Emmanuel Macron has called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to prevent an escalation of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah militants in Lebanon. During a phone call, Macron expressed his deep concern about the rising tensions and emphasized the urgent need to avoid a situation that would negatively impact both Lebanon and Israel.

Macron stressed the importance of swiftly moving towards a diplomatic solution to end the conflict initiated by Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7. He noted that diplomatic efforts are ongoing, as evidenced by the upcoming visit of U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein to Paris, who is scheduled to meet with Macron’s Lebanon envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian. Hochstein’s visit follows his June trips to Israel and Lebanon aimed at securing a ceasefire in Gaza.

In the conversation, Macron also urged Netanyahu to avoid any new military operations in Gaza, particularly near Rafah or Khan Younis, warning that such actions would worsen the already dire humanitarian situation. This plea came as the Israeli army ordered the evacuation of areas east of Khan Yunis and Rafah along the Egyptian border, leading to a mass exodus of Palestinians from southern Gaza due to renewed Israeli strikes and clashes with militants.

Additionally, Macron and Netanyahu discussed recent developments in Iran’s nuclear program, specifically reports about new centrifuges for uranium enrichment. Macron reiterated France’s commitment, along with its partners, to pressuring Iran to comply with international obligations and fully cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This follows concerns that Iran is advancing its nuclear capabilities potentially towards weaponization, despite Tehran’s claims of peaceful intentions.