Paris Warns of Potential Expansion of Conflict Beyond South Lebanon Due to Possible ‘Miscalculation’

Catherine Colonna, France’s Foreign Minister, has expressed concerns over the potential for misjudgment and intensification of conflict at the Lebanese-Israeli border, coinciding with the resumption of hostilities between Israel and Hamas in Gaza after a week-long ceasefire.

Colonna, in a statement to Al-Arabiya television, highlighted the heightened risks compared to the situation in 2006. She emphasized that any misstep could inadvertently pull Lebanon into a broader conflict that might extend beyond its southern regions.

Since October 8, there have been skirmishes between Hezbollah militants and Israeli forces along the border, heightening worries about the Gaza conflict between Hamas and Israel potentially escalating to other areas of the region. Despite the intensity of these clashes, which have resulted in casualties on both sides, including civilians, the confrontations have so far been largely confined to the border vicinity. Notably, Hezbollah was not directly involved in the recent seven-day ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, but relative calm has been observed on the Lebanon-Israel border since the truce’s commencement and subsequent conclusion.