Macron Invites Israel to 'Direct' Talks with Lebanon

SadaNews - French President Emmanuel Macron called on Israel today (Saturday) to accept conducting 'direct talks' with the Lebanese government and various community components, expressing his readiness to facilitate and host them in Paris.

Macron wrote in a post in Arabic on the 'X' platform: 'We must do everything to prevent Lebanon from sliding into chaos. Hezbollah must immediately cease its escalatory approach. Israel must abandon any large-scale attacks and halt its intense airstrikes, especially as hundreds of thousands of people have already fled from the bombing.'

He indicated that he had discussions on Friday with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Speaker of the Parliament Nabih Berri.

He confirmed that the Lebanese government showed 'readiness to enter into direct talks with Israel. All components of the country should be represented in this.' He added that 'Israel should seize this opportunity to commence talks, reach a ceasefire, find a permanent solution, and enable the Lebanese authorities to fulfill their commitments to enhance Lebanon's sovereignty.'

He expressed France's readiness 'to facilitate these talks by hosting them in Paris.'