Macron ‘regrets’ Netanyahu’s decision on Lebanon ground op, says Francophone nations want ceasefire

French President Emmanuel Macron expresses reservations about the decision of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to send troops to southern Lebanon for ground operations against Hezbollah.

“I regret that Prime Minister Netanyahu has made another choice,” says Macron, referring to his decision not to heed calls from Paris and Washington for a ceasefire, which Hezbollah has also not agreed to.

He also says that the 88 members of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), including France and Canada call for an “immediate and lasting” ceasefire in Lebanon.

“We have unanimously expressed ourselves in favor of an immediate and lasting ceasefire and have stated our commitment to de-escalating tensions in the region,” Macron tells reporters at the end of a Francophone summit, adding France will hold an international conference supporting Lebanon this month.