France FM set for Lebanon talks on calming Israel border
France’s Foreign Minister, Catherine Colonna, has scheduled to arrive in Beirut for crucial discussions aimed at defusing the mounting clashes along the Lebanon-Israel border. The frequent exchanges of fire, particularly between the Israeli army and Hezbollah, have raised concerns of a potential full-scale conflict.
Colonna is expected to emphasize the need for responsibility and restraint in meetings with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati and parliament speaker Nabih Berri, a key ally of the Iran-backed Hezbollah. The recent uptick in violence follows the commencement of the Israel-Hamas conflict on October 8.
During her visit to Israel on Sunday, Colonna urged all parties to “de-escalate” along the Lebanon-Israel border, emphasizing the potential risks if the situation spirals out of control. Lebanon, grappling with political paralysis and a severe economic crisis, is ill-equipped to endure another devastating conflict with Israel, particularly given the historical war in 2006 between Israel and Hezbollah.
A French diplomatic source expressed concern about Israel’s determination to safeguard its borders, especially after Hamas’s attacks on October 7. While Israel has asserted no intention to initiate another front on its northern border, the potential role of France in preventing an all-out war was acknowledged.
Foreign Minister Eli Cohen emphasized the importance of ensuring the security of Israelis near the border, suggesting that Hezbollah needs to be moved “north of the Litani River.” Cohen outlined two potential approaches – diplomacy or force – to achieve this objective.
France, in contrast to other Western governments, maintains contacts with Hezbollah. Senior Hezbollah lawmaker Mohammed Raad, undeterred by Israel’s intimidation, asserted the group’s resilience.
Since the cross-border exchanges began in October, casualties have mounted, with more than 130 people killed on the Lebanese side and casualties reported on the Israeli side. France, contributing around 700 troops to the UN force in Lebanon, remains deeply concerned about recent attacks on peacekeepers and their facilities.
Colonna is set to engage with Major General Aroldo Lazaro, the commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, to discuss the situation on the ground. Israel insists on implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which called for the removal of all weapons from south Lebanon, except those of the official security forces, after the 2006 war.
As tensions escalate, France plays a pivotal role in diplomatic efforts to ease the situation, recognizing the urgency of preventing further violence along the sensitive Lebanon-Israel border.
