As part of France’s ongoing efforts to pacify the situation along the Lebanon-Israel border, which has persisted for months, it has proposed a paper aimed at restoring peace and security in Lebanon.
In response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided its feedback on this paper, following a meeting between caretaker Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib and French Ambassador to Lebanon Hervé Magro, during which Lebanon’s official response was delivered.
Minister Bou Habib initiated the meeting by expressing gratitude for “France’s consistent support and concern for Lebanon, emphasizing France’s sincere desire for the country’s well-being and prosperity”.
He highlighted Lebanon’s acknowledgement that “the French initiative is an important step towards achieving peace and security in southern Lebanon.”
Furthermore, the Ministry “reiterated Lebanon’s stance, emphasizing its aversion to war and its insistence on the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701”.
According to the Associated Press, France’s proposal includes “a provision for Hezbollah to withdraw its forces 10 kilometers from the border with Israel.”
From his side and in response to questions about the escalating tension in the south, French Ambassador Hervé Magro affirmed, “Our position is clear, and we are working to reduce the tension.”
When asked about direct communication with Hezbollah, he stated, “We talk to everyone, as you know, and we hope to make progress,” as reported by Al-Jadeed TV.
Tensions along the Lebanese border have persisted since October, with near-daily exchanges of fire between Hezbollah and Israel.
The conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with at least 322 people killed on the Lebanese side, including both Hezbollah fighters and civilians. On the Israeli side, 10 soldiers and seven civilians have lost their lives, according to the Israeli army.
Related: Aoun’s Remark on Hezbollah’s Gaza Involvement: “Not Resistance Nor Self-Defense”
