France has urgently requested an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council following the seizure of Lebanon’s medieval Beaufort Castle by Israeli forces on Sunday.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on May 31st that Israeli forces’ capture of Beaufort castle in southern Lebanon marked a dramatic shift in Israel’s campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon. In a video statement, Netanyahu said,
Today, we have returned to Beaufort in a different way. We have returned united, determined, and stronger than ever.
The capture of Beaufort is a dramatic stage and a dramatic shift in the policy we are leading. We have broken the barrier of fear. We are taking the initiative, we are operating on all fronts—in Syria, in Gaza, in Lebanon.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot strongly condemned the deepening Israeli occupation of Lebanese territory, asserting that while Israel has a right to self-defense, the continuation of its aggressive military operations cannot be justified.
To address the rapidly deteriorating situation, Paris has launched urgent humanitarian initiatives, allocating €6 million to aid organizations operating in Lebanon and preparing to deliver 20 tons of critical relief supplies. Additionally, the French government has opened a crisis support fund to accept private and local contributions.
Barrot stated that France remains in active dialogue with both Israeli and Lebanese officials in hopes of preventing further chaos, securing an immediate ceasefire, and ultimately disarming Hezbollah.
The conflict in Lebanon, which has left over 400 dead since May 25th despite a prior ceasefire agreement, is part of a massive regional escalation.
