French delegation to arrive in Beirut from Israel

A joint delegation from the French defense and foreign ministries will arrive today, Friday in Beirut coming from Israel, the Nidaa al-Watan newspaper reported.

“The delegation heard from Israeli officials that the Hebrew state is willing to accept a diplomatic solution” for the border clashes with Hezbollah that have been ongoing since October 8 and have forced the residents of northern Israeli settlements to evacuate their communities, the daily said.

“But Israel will not wait forever and our patience has started to run out,” the Israelis reportedly warned.

French intelligence chief Bernard Emie had made a secret visit to Lebanon days ago. The visit followed meetings in Beirut by French Special Presidential Envoy for Lebanon Jean-Yves Le Drian.