'Nothing Can Justify' Prolonged Israeli Occupation In Lebanon: France FM

2026-06-02 02:19:44

(MENAFN- Jordan Times) PARIS, France - France's foreign minister said Tuesday that nothing could justify Israeli troops remaining deep inside Lebanon, following the deepest incursion into Lebanese territory in two decades.

Israel and Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hizbollah clashed overnight despite US President Donald Trump's announcement that both sides had agreed to halt fighting ahead of US-hosted talks between Israel and Lebanon.

"Nothing can justify the continuation of military operations and Israel's prolonged occupation deep inside Lebanese territory," Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot told France TV.

Israeli troops on Sunday seized the Beaufort castle, which commands sweeping views of south Lebanon.

Israeli forces used the castle, also known as Qalaat al-Chakif, as a base during their previous two-decade occupation of southern Lebanon that ended in 2000.

Tehran has said that a ceasefire in Lebanon remains a key condition for any deal with Washington to end the Middle East war.

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