France Warns of Imminent Civil War in Lebanon
French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu has issued a stark warning regarding the deteriorating situation in Lebanon, stating that the country is on the brink of an imminent civil war if a ceasefire is not reached soon. Speaking to LCI television, Lecornu emphasized the urgency of the situation, highlighting the displacement of communities and the rising inter-sectarian tensions. He noted that the weakening of Hezbollah further exacerbates the risk of Lebanon's collapse, saying, "You can already see that Lebanon could collapse even more."
UNIFIL's Role and Regional Tensions
Lecornu expressed regret over the Israeli army's targeting of UNIFIL forces, stating that such actions undermine the stability of the region. While acknowledging that Hezbollah has utilized UNIFIL units as a cover for its operations, he condemned the Israeli army's recent targeting of these positions. The French minister cautioned that Israel's tactical victories against Hezbollah do not guarantee long-term security, indicating a complex and precarious situation.
Diplomatic Efforts and Future Prospects
In light of the escalating conflict, US Special Envoy to Lebanon, Amos Hochstein, has engaged in discussions with Lebanese leaders, including Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. Hochstein emphasized that linking Lebanon's future to regional conflicts is detrimental to the Lebanese people. He reiterated the need for a permanent resolution to the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, stressing that mere public commitment to UN Security Council Resolution 1701 is insufficient. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to visit Israel and Arab nations to advocate for a ceasefire in both Gaza and Lebanon, aiming to alleviate the humanitarian crisis and secure the release of detainees.
