France Mediates to Thwart War, Proposes Hezbollah Pullback from Israel-Lebanon Border
April 28, 2024
French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné is engaging with Lebanese officials to de-escalate tensions between Hezbollah and Israel.
France's proposed solution includes Hezbollah pulling back its elite unit by 10 km from the Israeli border and Israel ceasing strikes in southern Lebanon.
Séjourné visited UNIFIL headquarters in southern Lebanon, acknowledging the serious risk of war in the region.
Hezbollah demands a ceasefire in Gaza before engaging in concrete discussions on the French proposal.
The Lebanese government's response to the French proposal shows a lack of consensus.
Séjourné plans to continue discussions with Arab and Western states in Saudi Arabia and will communicate Lebanese positions to Israel.
The United States is also involved in mitigating the situation, with envoy Amos Hochstein visiting Jerusalem as part of the effort to end the violence.
Summary based on 13 sources
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Sources
Yahoo News • Apr 28, 2024
Top French diplomat arrives in Lebanon in attempt to broker a halt to Hezbollah-Israel clashes
The Globe and Mail • Apr 28, 2024
France’s foreign minister looks to prevent Israel-Hezbollah conflict escalation in Lebanon visit