Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has dismissed a French-led initiative proposed by President Emmanuel Macron.
The initiative, which involves France, the United States, and Israel forming a contact group, aims to de-escalate tensions on the Israeli-Lebanese border.
Gallant stated that while Israel is engaged in a just war defending its people, France adopts policies that are hostile to Israel.
He emphasized that Israel would not participate in the trilateral framework proposed by France.
During a G7 Summit, Macron announced that France, the United States, and Israel would collaborate within a “trilateral” framework to implement a French roadmap designed to contain tensions along the Israeli-Lebanese border.
Macron expressed concerns about the situation on the border, particularly with the United States, and highlighted the necessity of a collective approach.
The proposed mechanism aims to coordinate initiatives by Paris and Washington.
Since late January, France has been attempting to contain clashes between Israel and the Iranian-backed Lebanese Hezbollah, which have been escalating.
France initially proposed an initiative, which was modified in early May at Beirut’s request, as the original version was perceived to favor Israel excessively.
The plan calls for a cessation of violence from both sides and the withdrawal of Hezbollah’s Radwan Force and other armed groups to a distance of ten kilometers from the Israeli border.
It also includes granting the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) full freedom of movement in the area and strengthening the role and numbers of the Lebanese Army.
Hezbollah has refused to engage in such negotiations, demanding a permanent ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and its ally Hamas in Gaza as a precondition.
