Macron: Do not drag Lebanon into someone else’s war

French President Emmanuel Macron has called on all parties in the Middle East conflict to avoid dragging Lebanon into war, while announcing that France will strengthen cooperation with the Lebanese Armed Forces amid escalating tensions along the Israeli-Lebanese border.

In a post on X, Macron said Lebanon must be protected and its people allowed to live in peace and security. “Everything must be done to prevent this country, so close to France, from once again being drawn into war,” he wrote.

Macron outlined a plan developed in consultation with Lebanese authorities, as well as U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, aimed at ending ongoing military operations by Hezbollah and Israel on both sides of the border.

He stressed that Hezbollah must immediately cease fire toward Israel, while Israel must refrain from any ground intervention or large-scale operations on Lebanese territory. Macron also noted that the Lebanese authorities have committed to taking control of positions currently held by Hezbollah and to fully ensuring national security, with France providing full support.

France will strengthen its cooperation with the Lebanese military, supplying armoured transport vehicles, operational and logistical support, and continuing the mission of the French detachment within the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in southern Lebanon.

Highlighting humanitarian concerns, Macron confirmed that humanitarian aid is being dispatched immediately to assist tens of thousands of civilians fleeing southern Lebanon, including medical supplies, shelter solutions, and other assistance.

“At this moment of great danger. I call on the Israeli Prime Minister not to expand the war to Lebanon. I call on Iranian leaders not to further draw Lebanon into a war that is not its own,” Macron said.

He further urged Hezbollah to renounce its weapons, respect the national interest, and allow the Lebanese people to unite to preserve their country, emphasising that Lebanon should not act as a militia taking orders from abroad.