France warns Israel against ‘major strategic mistake’ of deeper military operations in Lebanon
NEW YORK CITY: France’s ambassador to the UN, Jerome Bonnafont, warned the UN Security Council that Israel’s expanding military operations in Lebanon risked becoming a “major strategic mistake,” as he urged all parties to recommit to the fragile ceasefire agreement and pursue a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.
Speaking during an emergency Security Council meeting on Monday to discuss Lebanon, convened at the request of France, Bonnafont said the escalating violence threatened regional stability and undermined efforts to secure a lasting peace between Lebanon and Israel.
He reiterated that the blame for the conflict lies squarely with Hezbollah: “It is Hezbollah, supported by Iran, that bears responsibility for the outbreak of hostilities, having dragged Lebanon and the Lebanese people into a war that is not theirs.”
He condemned Hezbollah for its continuing attacks on Israeli territory, and affirmed Israel’s right to defend itself. However, he argued that the Israeli military response had exceeded the legitimate limits of self-defense.
