French President Emmanuel Macron has delivered a strong message to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging him to heed United Nations resolutions amidst the escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. The warning, delivered during a ministerial meeting on Tuesday, comes as tensions in the region continue to rise, fueled by recent events in southern Lebanon.
Macron’s admonition was a direct reminder to Netanyahu of Israel’s origins, emphasizing that the country was established based on a UN decision. He referenced the 1947 UN General Assembly vote that ended the British mandate over Palestine and divided the land into Jewish and Arab states. “Mr. Netanyahu must not forget that his country was created by a U.N. decision,” Macron stated, highlighting the importance of respecting international law and the role of the UN in resolving regional conflicts.
Macron’s stern words reflect the growing international concern over the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The situation has been further complicated by recent actions of the Israeli military, including an incident where Israeli tanks breached a UN peacekeeping post in southern Lebanon. This breach resulted in smoke exposure that affected the health of 15 UN peacekeepers, prompting accusations of war crimes from UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
In response, Israel claims the tanks entered the UN post to evacuate wounded soldiers after an anti-tank missile strike. However, the incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with 40 countries issuing a statement denouncing Israel’s actions. France, in particular, has been vocal in its criticism, recalling its ambassador from Israel and echoing the UN’s concerns over Israel’s non-compliance with UN resolutions.
The situation in southern Lebanon has been a focal point of tensions, with Israel and Hezbollah exchanging fire across the border. This has raised fears of a wider conflict, potentially involving Lebanon and its civilian population. Earlier this month, Iran launched a missile attack against Israel in retaliation for the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, further escalating tensions.
This recent escalation has also had an impact on global energy markets, as analysts warned of potential disruptions to Iran’s oil infrastructure if Israel were to retaliate. However, oil prices dipped after Netanyahu reportedly assured that Iran’s crude oil infrastructure would be spared from any potential retaliatory strikes.
The international community is closely monitoring the situation, urging both sides to de-escalate and pursue peaceful solutions. Macron’s warning serves as a reminder to Israel of the importance of adhering to international law and respecting UN resolutions. With tensions remaining high, the world anxiously awaits a resolution to the conflict and a return to stability in the region.