France does not support Israel's military operations in Lebanon and maintains that the ceasefire reached between the United States and Iran should also extend to Lebanese territory.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot made these remarks during an interview with France Inter radio.
"Lebanon must not fall victim to a government irritated by the ceasefire reached between the United States and Iran. The destruction of Lebanon, the destruction of the Lebanese state, will not destroy Hezbollah; on the contrary, it will strengthen it. Therefore, Lebanon must absolutely be included in this ceasefire—this temporary, fragile ceasefire that allows for the start of negotiations," the minister emphasized.
Jean-Noel Barrot blamed Hezbollah for the escalation of tensions with Israel, while simultaneously condemning Israel's "unacceptable" attacks against Lebanon on April 8, which resulted in the deaths of more than 250 people. The minister added that these strikes are particularly unacceptable as they jeopardize the temporary truce established between US President Donald Trump's administration and Tehran.
The diplomatic tension comes amid a complex regional landscape where France, as a former mandatory power in Lebanon, seeks to maintain its historical influence and prevent a total state collapse. The French government has consistently advocated for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict on Israel's northern border, emphasizing that military escalation risks broader regional instability. This stance aligns with Paris's broader Middle East policy, which frequently balances support for regional security with the preservation of Lebanese sovereignty.
