Macron calls on Netanyahu to prevent escalation with Hezbollah

French President Emmanuel Macron urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take measures to prevent an escalation of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah militants in Lebanon.

This plea was made during a phone call between the two leaders.

Macron expressed his deep concern over increasing tensions between Hezbollah and Israel, emphasizing the critical need to avoid a situation that would negatively impact both Lebanon and Israel, according to a statement from the French presidency.

Macron also stressed the urgent need for all parties involved to swiftly move towards a diplomatic resolution to the conflict, which was ignited by the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas militants from Gaza, reported AFP. The Elysee Palace indicated that the leaders discussed ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the conflict, noting that the U.S. envoy for the conflict, Amos Hochstein, is scheduled to visit Paris on Wednesday.

Additionally, Macron urged Netanyahu to avoid initiating any new military operations in Gaza, particularly near Rafah or Khan Yunis, as such actions would exacerbate an already dire humanitarian situation.

The Israeli army had recently ordered the evacuation of most areas east of Khan Yunis and Rafah along the Egyptian border, an announcement that has typically preceded major military offensives. This order led to a significant exodus of Palestinians from southern Gaza on Tuesday amidst deadly strikes and clashes between Israeli forces and militants.

The October 7 attack by Hamas militants resulted in the deaths of 1,195 people in southern Israel, predominantly civilians. The militants also took 251 hostages, with 116 still held in Gaza, including 42 whom the Israeli army says are deceased. In retaliation, Israel's offensive has resulted in at least 37,925 deaths, primarily civilians, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-controlled territory.