French Foreign Minister Stresses Need for Israel-Lebanon Talks

(MENAFN) French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot issued an urgent call Thursday for direct, high-level engagement between Israel and Lebanon, framing it as the sole viable path toward a durable ceasefire in a region spiraling toward broader conflict.

Addressing a broadcaster, Barrot placed particular weight on the necessity of "high-level dialogue between Israel and Lebanon."

"This is the only possible way to consolidate a ceasefire, (...) and to resolve disputes between Israel and Lebanon that have persisted for decades," he said.

The remarks come as Israel has pressed on with military operations in southern Lebanon — resuming attacks following a cross-border Hezbollah strike on March 2 and effectively shattering a ceasefire agreement reached in November 2024. Lebanese health authorities report a devastating toll: more than 2,000 lives lost and over one million people uprooted since the violence resumed in March.

Barrot sharpened his warning ahead of anticipated talks between Washington and Tehran, insisting that Lebanon must be woven into any ceasefire framework under discussion. He cautioned that the country "must not become the scapegoat of regional dynamics or wars it did not choose."

He further challenged the strategic logic underpinning Israel's campaign, declaring: "Destroying Lebanon does not eliminate Hezbollah. On the contrary, it strengthens it."

Shifting focus to a second flashpoint, Barrot renewed Paris's push for the "full reopening" of the Strait of Hormuz, invoking the principle of respect for the "common goods of humanity."

"It is essential that freedom of navigation and maritime security in international waters — which are common goods of humanity — be preserved everywhere and under all circumstances," he said.

He pressed further, warning against inaction. "Not only to limit the impact of the war on the global economy, but also to avoid setting a dangerous precedent."

The statements carry added urgency following US President Donald Trump's announcement of a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which took effect at 1400GMT Monday. The measure was imposed after Washington and Tehran failed to broker an agreement in the Pakistani capital during weekend negotiations — part of wider efforts to halt the US-Israeli offensive on Iran that has claimed more than 1,400 lives since February 28, following a two-week ceasefire.

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