‘Israel must withdraw from Lebanon,’ French defense minister says
France demanded Israel withdraw from Lebanese territory, urged all parties to respect the ceasefire, and called for Hezbollah's disarmament to ensure Lebanon's sovereignty and stability.
- Europe
- Anadolu Agency
- Published Date: 11:50 | 29 April 2026
France said on Wednesday that Israel must withdraw from Lebanese territory and called on all parties to respect the ceasefire reached earlier this month.
"Israel must withdraw from Lebanese territory," Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin said on US social media company X.
She said France's objective is to support the Lebanese state and its people in achieving peace and lasting stability.
"All parties must respect the ceasefire and preserve Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity," she added.
Vautrin added that the disarmament of Hezbollah should be pursued by the Lebanese with the support of the international community.
"France strongly condemns all attacks against UNIFIL, which are unjustifiable," she said.
Israel maintains a so-called "buffer zone" in southern Lebanon, where it started operations in early March, as Hezbollah retaliated to the Iran war.
The US-mediated ceasefire took effect on April 17 and has been extended till mid-May.
- US charge d’affaires to Ukraine to retire after 3-decade diplomatic career
- Poland eyes role as regional hub for US energy imports, president says
- King Charles touts UK action after 9/11 as Trump slams British response to Iran war
- France calls on Israel to lift all obstructions to aid delivery, protect UN personnel, facilities in Gaza