French PM Calls on Israel to End Occupation of Lebanese Territory

(MENAFN) French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu on Wednesday urged Israel to withdraw from Lebanese territory, describing its continued presence as unlawful and cautioning that ongoing military actions could further destabilize the region.

Speaking before the French National Assembly, Lecornu stressed the importance of preserving the ceasefire in Lebanon and voiced concern over continued Israeli operations despite the truce.

"It is clear that not only must the ceasefire be respected, it is fragile, to say the least, even resembling a kind of 'ceasefire through fire,' which is unacceptable, but Israel must put an end to this war and to the illegal occupation it maintains on Lebanese territory," he said.

Lecornu also linked developments in Lebanon to broader regional tensions involving Iran, arguing that any effort to resolve the wider conflict would be incomplete if Lebanon's situation is overlooked. According to reports, France has consistently cautioned its partners against treating the Lebanese file as a secondary issue.

"There will be no comprehensive solution to this war with Iran if the Lebanese issue is set aside," he said.

He further pointed to Hezbollah's relationship with Tehran, saying past attempts to separate Lebanon from broader regional calculations had failed to reflect realities on the ground.

The French premier also argued that the approach adopted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was ultimately working against Israel's long-term interests.

MENAFN04062026000045017640ID1111209271