France yet to receive word from Israel on Lebanon proposals
Emmanuel Macron’s attempt to change huge global events have yet again failed to materialize, even with a new, young foreign minister, even in countries which are close to the Elysee.
France’s foreign ministry spokesperson said on May 30th that Israel has yet to give a response to Paris’ proposals to reduce tensions between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon, Arab News and agencies reported.
“We have had a relatively positive response from the Lebanese,” Christophe Lemoine told reporters in a daily briefing, “but I think we have not had any return from Israel at this point.”
For the past few months, Israel and Hezbollah have engaged in daily cross-border strikes. This, coupled with Israel’s war on Gaza, have concerned global powers wary of a wider regional war breaking out in the middle east.
READ: Recent violence between Israel and Hezbollah kills two
France, who has historical ties with Lebanon, has made proposals to both sides that would see Hezbollah’s elite unit pull back 10 kilometres from the Israeli border, while Israel would halt strikes in southern Lebanon.
The proposal also examines long-term border issues and had also been discussed with other global powers — including Israel’s long-standing ally, the United States.
Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne went to both Lebanon and Israel in April to push France’s efforts, and Israel’s foreign minister was in Paris earlier this month. Lebanon’s foreign minister was also in Paris for talks on May 29th.
Arab News and agencies
