Gantz, Macron discuss need for 'diplomatic effort' in Lebanon
Israeli war cabinet minister Benny Gantz says he has discussed with French President Emmanuel Macron “the imperative of an international diplomatic effort in Lebanon,” after Israel was accused of assassinating Hamas deputy head Saleh al-Arouri in a brazen drone strike in Beirut’s southern suburbs.
“I expressed my appreciation to President Macron for his commitment to Israel’s security, regional stability, and France’s important efforts to release the hostages held in Gaza,” Gantz said in an English-language post on the X platform.
“We discussed the future stages of the war in Gaza, the imperative of an international diplomatic effort in Lebanon and other important regional matters,” he added.
Since the cross-border hostilities began between Israel and Hezbollah, more than 160 people have been killed on the Lebanese side, most of them Hezbollah combatants but including more than 20 civilians, three of them journalists. On the Israeli side, at least five civilians and nine soldiers have been killed, according to the military.
Hezbollah has claimed repeated attacks on Israeli troops and positions, saying its actions are in support of its ally Hamas, while Israel has been striking south Lebanon.
Source: Naharnet
| Copyright © 2012 Naharnet.com. All Rights Reserved. | https://naharnet.com/stories/en/302526 |