Paris, May 31: France has urged the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to convene an emergency meeting in response to the aggressive stance of the Israeli military in southern Lebanon. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot expressed concern over the Israeli occupation of Beaufort Castle.
In an interview with BFM TV, Barrot stated, “I have requested an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council. We acknowledge Israel’s right to self-defense, as every nation does, but the ongoing Israeli military operations in Lebanon and its increasing occupation of Lebanese territory cannot be justified in any way.”
Barrot emphasized France’s worries regarding Israel’s escalating military actions and its incursion into Lebanese territory.
On Sunday morning, Israel claimed that its forces had taken control of the strategically significant Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon. Images were released showing soldiers at the site, with two flags flying: one representing Israel and the other belonging to the Golani Brigade, which had also occupied the castle in 1982.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu portrayed this development as a significant shift. In a video message, he stated that Israel is moving forward with strength. “The occupation of Beaufort marks an important phase and a major change in our policy. I have now directed that our hold on areas previously controlled by Hezbollah be strengthened and expanded,” he said.
Netanyahu added, “Today we have returned to Beaufort in a different way. We are united, determined, and stronger than ever. We have broken the wall of fear. The initiative is now in our hands. We are acting on all fronts, including Syria, Gaza, and Lebanon, establishing security zones beyond our borders for the safety of our communities.”
Before Netanyahu, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz praised the soldiers, calling it a strategic victory.
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