French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot launched an attack on Israel today (Friday), sharply criticizing Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon in response to Hezbollah violations in the area. Barrot declared that Israel must respect its “commitments under the ceasefire agreement” and emphasized that fighting must stop on all fronts. He also called on the United States to apply “all necessary pressure” to ensure full implementation of the agreement.
1+According to Barrot, the priority now is “to ensure full implementation of the final steps of the agreement,” including measures related to “regional stability and security guarantees.” Without achieving and implementing the agreement, he claimed, “the entire region risks prolonged instability.”
He added that the agreement is “essential to prevent further escalation and to avoid negative economic consequences related to energy routes in the region.” France will continue to be involved in diplomatic efforts and will work in coordination with its international partners as implementation of the agreement progresses, he said.
1+In response to the French foreign minister’s remarks, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee issued a sharp rebuke in a social media post: “The French Foreign Minister said Israel should stop attacks against Hezbollah. Does France get all its information from Hezbollah? Last night, four Israeli soldiers were killed. Israel attacks when it is attacked. A ceasefire will happen when Hezbollah stops shooting and killing.”