French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot has called on Israel to refrain from carrying out operations aimed at seizing territory in southern Lebanon. At the same time, he described as "courageous" the decision of the Lebanese authorities to expel the Iranian ambassador from Beirut, reports Agence France-Presse, BTA reports.
In a statement to AFP, Barrot stressed that France insists that the Israeli authorities refrain from ground operations, as they could lead to serious humanitarian consequences and worsen the already difficult situation in the region.
The French minister also expressed support for the actions of the Lebanese government, describing them as courageous. According to him, the decision to expel the Iranian ambassador was made after “Hezbollah“ chose to join the military action in support of Iran, drawing Lebanon into conflict, even though the country had gradually recovered from previous crises.