Emmanuel Macron urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, March 4, to renounce a ground offensive on Lebanon. The nation, a former French protectorate, was drawn into the Middle East war on Monday when Iran-backed Hezbollah attacked Israel following the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in US and Israeli strikes over the weekend.
First modification: 03/04/2026 - 22:17
"I asked the Israeli prime minister to preserve the territorial integrity of Lebanon and refrain from a ground offensive," French President Emmanuel Macron said in X, after Israeli ground forces advanced towards several border cities and towns in southern Lebanon.
Macron, who also spoke with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and that country's Prime Minister Nawaf Salaim, stressed "the need for Hezbollah to immediately cease attacks against Israel and others."
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He asked Netanyahu "to preserve the territorial integrity of Lebanon and refrain from a ground offensive."
"It is important that the parties return to the ceasefire agreement," he added.
Macron assured that he will continue, together with his allies, to support the Lebanese Armed Forces so that they can fully assume their sovereignty missions and end the threat posed by Hezbollah.
Read alsoIsrael sends troops to southern Lebanon while Hezbollah declares itself ready for an "open war"
"Faced with the humanitarian emergency in southern Lebanon, France will promote immediate initiatives to support the displaced Lebanese population," said the French president, who reiterated his solidarity with the Lebanese people and his commitment to the stability of the region.
Relations between Macron and Netanyahu have gradually deteriorated after the French leader declared France's intention to recognize the Palestinian state, something that was finalized at the end of 2025.
President Donald Trump called Macron in the last few hours to "inform him of the status of military operations carried out by the United States in Iran," a member of the French president's team told AFP.
Macron alerted "Trump about the situation in Lebanon, to which France remains very attentive," they added.
Read alsoMacron responds forcefully to Netanyahu, who accuses him of "fueling the anti-Semitic fire."
Hezbollah, which translates the party of God and emerged as a simple local militia during the Lebanon War, was key in resisting Israel's occupation. This group, with Shiite roots and supported by Iran, became the fundamental element for Israel to withdraw from Lebanon in 2000.
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After that, Hezbollah transformed into a political party and a heavily armed force, with great influence over the Lebanese State and which, supported by Iran, showed the capacity to attack Israel.
Read alsoLand incursion and displacement: the Israeli offensive advances in Lebanon, the most lethal war front after Iran
With EFE and AFP
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