Macron Mediates as Israel-Hezbollah Tensions Flare

French President Emmanuel Macron criticized Israel's airstrike on Hezbollah in Lebanon, arguing there was no justification. He plans to speak with U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address these actions. The airstrike breached a ceasefire facilitated by France and the U.S. in November.

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed concern over Israel's recent airstrike on Hezbollah in Lebanon, stating that there was no activity justifying the military action. He announced plans to communicate with U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to deliberate over the incident.

This development marks a significant breach of a ceasefire agreed in November, brokered by France and the U.S., which paused hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. According to Macron, Israel failed to respect the agreed framework without evidence of provocation.

Meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Paris, Macron discussed economic reforms and stability measures for Lebanon. He emphasized the need to restore full adherence to the ceasefire terms, which included Hezbollah disarmament, Israeli withdrawal, and Lebanese army deployment in the south.

(With inputs from agencies.)