Macron slams Hezbollah for dragging Lebanon into war with Israel

French President Emmanuel Macron has condemned the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah for dragging Lebanon into a confrontation with Israel, and urged the movement to immediately cease its attacks.

He made the remarks during an extended phone call with Lebanese President Michel Aoun and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, the details of which he shared in a post on X, Caliber.Az reports.

“Hezbollah made a major mistake in dragging Lebanon into a confrontation with Israel. It must immediately cease its attacks. For its part, Israel must clearly renounce any ground offensive in Lebanon,” the French president added.

Macron posted that he was “pleased” that France is contributing and participating in discussions on Lebanon and Syria as an equal partner, in a new spirit of partnership that the two Middle Eastern countries are now striving to build. 

“This is truly a historic opportunity for these two countries, which have suffered so greatly from Assad’s dictatorship, regional crises, and terrorism,” he wrote in the post.

Macron hailed efforts by Lebanese authorities, including President Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, who are taking decisive action to protect Lebanon’s security and unity.

He also highlighted Syrian President al-Sharaa’s efforts to restore state control and sovereignty in Lebanon, which lays the foundation for constructive bilateral relations.

Macron confirmed that France will continue to support coordination between Lebanon and Syria “resolutely”.

“We have agreed to remain in close contact,” the president concluded.

Previously, Macron outlined France’s objective on the situation around Iran. He said France maintains “a strictly defensive stance, standing alongside all countries attacked by Iran in its retaliation […]” 

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov