Macron calls on Israel to avoid any escalatory behavior in Lebanon and reach a ceasefire agreement in Gaza
French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday evening called on Israel to avoid any escalatory behavior, especially in Lebanon, following the assassination of Saleh al Arouri, a leader in Hamas, with drone that launched a missile targeted an office of Hamas in the southern suburbs of Beirut.
The Elysee Palace said, following a phone call Macron made with Israeli Minister Benny Gantz, a member of the Ministerial War Council, that the French President stressed that any escalatory behavior should be avoided, especially in Lebanon, and that France will continue to deliver these messages to all relevant actors, directly or indirectly in the region.
Following the assassination, Hezbollah said that this assassination is a “dangerous attack on Lebanon” and “will never pass without response and punishment”.
In its statement, the French presidency said that Macron repeated to the Israeli minister the call to work to reach a permanent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas with the help of all regional and international partners.
Macron also reiterated his very deep concern about the very high number of civilian deaths and the extremely urgent humanitarian situation in Gaza.
At the same time, the French President stressed, according to the Elysee statement, “France’s commitment to Israel’s security”.
