France’s Macron says ‘nothing justifies’ IDF’s expansion deeper into southern Lebanon

French President Emmanuel Macron says that “nothing justifies the major escalation underway in south Lebanon,” where Israeli forces have pushed deeper into the country in a renewed offensive against Hezbollah.

In a message on X after speaking with regional leaders, Macron says it is “essential” for an agreement to be reached quickly between the United States and Iran.

Macron held talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, United Arab Emirates President Mohammed bin Zayed, and his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

“France will continue to support the Lebanese authorities in their efforts to restore the sovereignty of the state and the country’s territorial integrity,” Macron writes.

Regional stability “must begin with Lebanon, where it is urgent that all weapons fall silent, for good.”

More broadly, he says a ceasefire must be a “priority” between the United States and Iran, and calls for the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz “without any conditions and in accordance with international law.”

“Talks must then continue in order to reach a comprehensive and robust agreement on other issues, particularly the nuclear and ballistic programmes and regional stability,” he adds.

“France stands ready to fully play its part by helping to restore maritime traffic through the independent multinational mission set up with the United Kingdom,” he says.