Nicolas de Rivière, France’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, has emphasized the critical importance of mobilizing international efforts to de-escalate tensions between Israel and Lebanon.
In an exclusive statement to Al Arabiya Al Hadath news channel on Saturday, de Rivière expressed deep concern over the escalation on the border between Israel and Hezbollah. He warned that the likelihood of a full-scale war between the two sides is significant and would constitute a real catastrophe.
De Rivière underscored the necessity for the international community to exert efforts to facilitate dialogue and reach peaceful solutions to avoid the catastrophic consequences of war and its impact on innocent civilians. He remarked that the tragic situation witnessed in the region over the past seven months is already enough.
He pointed out that if the conflict between Israel and Lebanon expands, it could evolve into a regional war involving all regional actors. De Rivière affirmed that France is closely monitoring the current events and is on high alert.
The tensions between Israel and Lebanon have been a longstanding issue, with periodic flare-ups along their border. Hezbollah, a powerful Shiite militant group based in Lebanon, has been at the center of these tensions. The group’s involvement in various regional conflicts, particularly in Syria, and its strong stance against Israel have contributed to the volatility in the region.
In recent months, the border area has seen increased hostilities, raising fears of a potential large-scale conflict. The international community, including the United Nations, has been vocal in calling for restraint and dialogue to prevent further escalation. The potential for a regional conflict is a significant concern, given the involvement of multiple state and non-state actors in the Middle East, which could lead to widespread instability and humanitarian crises.
France, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a key player in international diplomacy, has been actively engaged in efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region. The French government’s proactive stance in urging de-escalation highlights the broader international commitment to resolving conflicts through diplomatic means and preventing further suffering for civilians caught in the crossfire.
