France on Sunday expressed concern that the fragile cease-fire agreement signed last week to end fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon could collapse, citing 52 alleged Israeli violations that resulted in the deaths of three Lebanese civilians. The French government also noted a resurgence of Israeli drone flights at low altitudes over Beirut.
According to French officials, Israel acted against alleged Hezbollah violations without consulting the international committee tasked with monitoring compliance under the agreement. Paris is reportedly in ongoing contact with Lebanese Army Chief of Staff Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Najib Mikati to address the situation.
IDF strikes a Hezbollah rocket launcher after Lebanon cease-fire comes into effect
(Video: IDF)
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Benjamin Netanyahu, Emmanuel Macron
(Photo: Christophe Ena / AFP, Ludovic Marin / AFP)
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Hezbollah terrorists sighted loading weapons onto truck in southern Lebanon after cease-fire comes into effect
(Photo: IDF)
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“The Lebanese are fully committed to maintaining the cease-fire and preventing Hezbollah from reestablishing its presence in southern Lebanon, but they must be given time to prove themselves,” a French official said.
Israeli officials defended their actions, claiming that the international monitoring committee would not be fully operational before Monday or Tuesday. Until then, they said, Israel would continue to respond forcefully to any border violations.
“Any breach will be met with significant enforcement, as has been the case so far,” a senior Israeli official added.