Paris, France – France has announced its intention to request an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council to discuss the rapidly escalating situation in Lebanon.
This comes against the backdrop of the ongoing Israeli military escalation,
the expansion of military operations, and evacuation orders in southern Lebanon.
Urgent French action
Frence Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barroux informed his Lebanese counterpart, Youssef Raji,
on Sunday that Paris would take action within the Security Council to urgently address the Lebanese situation.
He also reiterated his country’s solidarity with Lebanon and its unwavering commitment to supporting its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
During his call with his Lebanese counterpart, the French Foreign Minister emphasized
that his country was following the recent developments on the ground with grave concern.
Furthermore, he stressed the need to contain the escalation and prevent a further deterioration of the security situation in the region.
Barroux also emphasized France’s support for the diplomatic track and direct negotiations
as the only way to reach a lasting and sustainable solution to the crisis.
He added that this would contribute to maintaining regional stability and preventing a wider confrontation.
Israel expands its military operations
The Frence move came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced
the expansion of military operations north of the Litani River in southern Lebanon.
He affirmed that the operations would continue until what he described as threats targeting towns in northern Israel were eliminated.
Netanyahu stated that the Israeli army had succeeded in establishing a new security reality in southern Lebanon.
He noted that, according to Israeli estimates, more than 700 Hezbollah members had been killed in the past month.
He added that Israel continues to establish security zones beyond
its borders on several fronts, including Gaza, Syria, and Lebanon.
He emphasized that military operations would continue as required on the ground.
Control of Beaufort Castle
In a significant development on the ground, the Israeli army raised its flag over the historic Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon
following a large-scale military operation involving units from the Golani and Givati Brigades and the 7th Armored Brigade.
Israeli media reported that Israeli forces had seized the Beaufort Heights and the Saluki Valley.
The army, however, stated that the operation aimed to destroy military infrastructure and consolidate its control in the area.
This French move comes amid growing international concerns about the escalating confrontation on the Lebanese-Israeli border,
which could have security and political repercussions for the entire region.
