Paris, France – French President Emmanuel Macron’s special envoy to Lebanon, Jean-Yves Le Drian, warned on Thursday that the Lebanese arena is experiencing an “extremely dangerous situation,” threatening its unity and territorial integrity.
Despite this grim warning, the French official welcomed the continuation of ongoing political talks,
describing them as a diplomatic window offering a “real prospect” for ending the bloody armed conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
Warnings against occupation and foreign interests
In a press statement to the French networks BFM TV and RMC radio, Le Drian explained that “Lebanon’s territorial integrity
and sovereignty are threatened today because part of its territory in the south is under direct Israeli military occupation.”
Meanwhile, another part of the country is under the control of Hezbollah,
which serves Iranian interests—interests that are aligned with those of a foreign regional power.
Despite this critical assessment, the French envoy praised the continuation of the temporary ceasefire.
He also affirmed that it opens “a new political horizon for an additional 45 days,”
during which international parties and the Lebanese political system will continue extensive discussions to solidify the truce.
Israel rejected France’s presence
Le Drian described the Lebanese leaders involved in this process as “courageous and highly responsible,”
referring to their bold decision to request direct negotiations with the Israeli government
to extricate their country from this suffocating security siege.
The negotiations also aim to reach a settlement that restores to the Lebanese state
and its institutions legitimacy, the means to operate, and sovereignty over all national territory.
He also described the intensive American involvement in the negotiation process as “positive and vital.”
He added, somewhat reproachfully, “This exclusion of Paris is happening even
though Israel explicitly refused to allow France to be a direct participant in these discussions,
despite the Lebanese side specifically requesting our presence and official role.”
Ongoing field violations
Le Drian’s remarks come at a time when the fragile agreement faces serious challenges on the ground. Since the initial ceasefire was declared on April 17,
and the 45-day extension went into effect last Monday, the Israeli military has continued its air and artillery strikes, claiming to be targeting Hezbollah cells and movements.
The occupation forces have also continued their systematic demolition and destruction of homes and facilities in towns along the occupied border strip.
Forced eviction notices
In parallel, the Israeli army continues to issue daily forced evacuation orders to entire villages and towns.
The geographical scope of these orders has also expanded significantly, encompassing areas far from the border and inhabited by thousands of residents and displaced persons.
These actions are taking place amidst a catastrophic humanitarian situation;
Israeli attacks have resulted in the deaths of more than 3,000 people since the latest escalation began on March 2nd.
Dozens more have been killed since the first ceasefire came into effect, according to the latest official figures from the Lebanese Ministry of Health.
