Israel’s envoy says France “not needed” in Lebanon talks

Israel’s ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, said Israel opposes any French involvement in peace negotiations with Lebanon, making pointed remarks after direct talks concluded in Washington on April 14.

Speaking at a press briefing, Leiter stated that Israel "certainly [doesn't] want the French anywhere near these negotiations," Caliber.Az reports via French media. 

"We like to keep the French as far away as possible from pretty much everything, but particularly when it comes to peace negotiations," he continued.

When asked whether Israel had made a "concerted" effort to exclude France, Leiter reiterated his position, saying: "The French are not needed. They are not a positive influence, particularly not in Lebanon."

On April 14, Paris joined 17 countries in calling on Israel and Lebanon to "seize the opportunity" presented by the U.S.-mediated talks. France, which maintains longstanding historical ties with Lebanon, has also urged that the Lebanese front be included in a broader ceasefire framework linked to negotiations involving Iran.

French officials have been critical of recent Israeli military actions. Paris described Israeli strikes on Lebanon on April 8 — which reportedly killed more than 350 people and wounded over 1,200 — as "intolerable," and has opposed the prospect of a ground offensive.

By Sabina Mammadli