US EditionFrance, UN Push for Direct Talks to End Hostilies Between Israel and Lebanon
Macron's offer follows escalating conflict with over 1,100 Hezbollah positions struck by Israel and warns of Lebanon's risk of chaos without direct diplomacy.
- On Saturday, March 14, 2026, Macron said he offered to host direct talks between Israel and Lebanon in Paris, and 'France is ready to facilitate these talks by hosting them in Paris,' after speaking with Lebanese leaders on Friday.
- After Iran-backed strikes and reprisals, Lebanon was drawn into the West Asia war last week when Hezbollah attacked Israel following Iran's supreme leader's killing, and Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem said his group was ready for a long confrontation.
- The IDF said it had struck more than 1,100 positions and killed more than 380 Hezbollah terrorists, with Lebanese media reporting Israeli strikes on a northern Beirut suburb and elsewhere.
- Noting displacement, Macron said 'everything must be done to prevent Lebanon from descending into chaos' and stressed only diplomacy can prevent long-term destabilization of Lebanon.
- Amid a wider regional escalation marked on day 15 of the war, Kharg Island suffered at least 15 explosions and Tehran largely halted traffic through the key sea route last month.
36 Articles
36 Articles
France, UN push for direct talks to end hostilies between Israel and Lebanon
French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday said Lebanon was ready to engage in "direct talks" with Israel and offered to host negotiations in Paris. This came on the heels of a visit to Beirut by UN chief Antonio Guterres, who also urged for a diplomatic solution the crisis.
French President Macron telephoned the head of the state in Beirut and called on Israel for talks with Lebanon, which could take place in Paris.
The French leader said the discussions could be held in Paris.
Macron Offers To Facilitate Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire Talks
President Emmanuel Macron confirmed on Saturday that France is prepared to facilitate ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Lebanon in Paris. In a statement posted on X, Macron revealed that the Lebanese leadership has signaled an openness toward direct dialogue with Israel, urging the Israeli government to "seize this opportunity" to launch talks and reach a lasting diplomatic resolution.The French President called for an immediate cessatio…
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