Macron urges Netanyahu to urgently avert war with Lebanon
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A statement by his office says Macron suggested working with the US to establish a diplomatic settlement to de-escalate hostilities across the border.
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French President Emmanuel Macron reviews troops that will take part in the Bastille Day parade, on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, in Paris (AP)
France's President Emmanuel Macron called Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday night, informing him that a diplomatic solution is desperately needed to prevent a war on Lebanon.
A statement by Macron's office read, “The President of the Republic reiterated his extreme concern about the increase in tensions between Hezbollah and Israel along the Blue Line,” noting that a war between Lebanon and "Israel" “would harm both the interests of Lebanon and Israel and would constitute a particularly dangerous development for regional stability."
The statement added that Macron suggested working with the US to establish a diplomatic settlement to de-escalate hostilities.
The failing hostage agreement and the war on Gaza were among the topics discussed between Netanyahu and Macron, as the latter urged for a ceasefire followed by the establishment of a Palestinian state.
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The statement cited him as saying that it was crucial for a reformed Palestinian Authority to resume control of Gaza.
Macron further condemned "Israel’s" decision to authorize five West Bank outposts and make them new settlements, as he said it risks the "two-state solution" and peace efforts.
Tensions have heightened between Lebanon and "Israel" in recent weeks, with the Israelis escalating their attacks further into Lebanese territory and threatening to send the country "back to the Stone Age." As a result, media around the globe are speculating over the possibility of a full-scale war.
The Biden administration has strongly urged "Israel" not to go to war with Lebanon, since it would be catastrophic for both sides and could potentially ignite a regional war, especially if US intervention is involved. Additionally, the United States' support for "Israel" will immensely affect Biden's presidential campaign, diminishing the votes of Arab Americans and progressives.
Last month, Macron held a phone call with Netanyahu, on the same day which saw large sections of occupied northern territories set ablaze due to rocket fire and the operational activities of the Israeli occupation forces.
The French president expressed concern about the growing tensions on the Palestinian-Lebanese border, as Israeli Broadcasting Corporation (KAN) correspondent Amichai Stein quoted Macron as telling Netanyahu, "Do not escalate the situation, do not ignite the situation, and this is the international request."
KAN's correspondent also revealed that the French president called for maximum restraint and the implementation of United Nations Resolution 1701 by all parties. Macron also spoke of promoting a diplomatic solution to confrontations on the Northern Front.
