In an attempt to defuse the escalating crisis on the Lebanese-Israeli border, France proposes an alternative political path aimed at preventing further military deterioration and opening the door to a comprehensive solution, which could ultimately lead to non-aggression agreements between the two countries.
According to an article published by journalist Anna Brisky in the Israeli newspaper “Maariv”, Paris seeks to bring the two parties directly to the negotiating table, with the primary goal of a ceasefire, in preparation for launching a broader political process.
The most sensitive item in this initiative is Lebanon’s commitment to engage in a political process that may include, for the first time, recognition of Israel, or at least a political declaration that paves the way for such a step in the future.
French President Emmanuel Macron gave a strong impetus to this initiative after a series of talks with President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri.
In a statement issued after these contacts, Macron announced that “the Lebanese government has expressed its readiness to hold direct talks with Israel,” and called on Tel Aviv to “seize this opportunity,” stressing France’s readiness to organize these talks and host them in Paris.
Macron’s statement reflects intense diplomatic efforts taking place behind the scenes in recent days, with the aim of linking an immediate ceasefire with the launch of a long-term political path. The French initiative aims to bring the two parties together in direct talks with French and American support, with these talks to result in the formulation of a binding political declaration.
In this context, Lebanon will be asked to reaffirm its commitment to state sovereignty and the implementation of security arrangements in the south, while Israel will be asked to stop broad military operations and begin studying a gradual withdrawal from the areas its forces have entered within Lebanese territory.
However, the French initiative sparked mixed reactions, including sharp criticism in Europe. Right-wing Dutch politician Geert Wilders attacked President Macron after calling on Israel to stop its attacks in Lebanon, describing him with one word: “coward.”
Despite the French ambition, estimates in Israel indicate a noticeable coolness towards this initiative at the present time. According to Israeli political and security sources who spoke to the newspaper, Israel does not officially reject the French efforts, but the public mood in Tel Aviv tends to continue the military escalation rather than the political path.
A senior Israeli official told the newspaper in a categorical tone: “There will be no ceasefire with Hezbollah. The only way to ensure calm is to occupy large areas in southern Lebanon.”
This position reveals a clear discrepancy between the French vision, which seeks to turn the current crisis into a political opportunity, and the Israeli approach, which believes that a decision on the ground is what will determine the terms of any future settlement.
However, the French President’s announcement of Lebanese readiness to hold direct talks with Israel, and Paris’ readiness to host them, indicates a noticeable diplomatic move taking place against the backdrop of the crisis.
The question remains: Will the French initiative turn into a real negotiating track, or will it fade under the weight of military escalation before it reaches the negotiating table?
