Macron Urges Lebanon to Disarm Hezbollah, Condemns Israeli Breaches
The French President stated at the UN that only a sovereign state can dismantle armed groups, while criticizing ongoing violations in the region.
Key points
- Macron stated that only a sovereign Lebanon can disarm Hezbollah and restore regional security.
- He condemned Israeli violations of Lebanese sovereignty and ongoing breaches in the West Bank.
- France reaffirmed its support for the ICC and prioritized free transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday to assert that only a fully sovereign Lebanon possesses the capacity to disarm Hezbollah and restore regional stability. In his remarks, he placed significant weight on the principle of state sovereignty as the fundamental requirement for lasting security in the area.
According to Haaretz, Macron simultaneously condemned what he described as Israeli violations of Lebanese sovereignty. He highlighted the displacement of civilians and noted that villages in southern Lebanon are currently being razed, framing these actions as direct threats to the integrity of the Lebanese state.
Sovereignty as the path to security
The President argued that claims suggesting Israel’s security requires the violation of neighboring states’ sovereignty are fundamentally flawed. He suggested that such an approach does not protect Israel but instead weakens and threatens its long-term security by undermining the stability of the broader region.
Criticism of international inaction on Gaza
Macron questioned the credibility of the international community, asking what its standing would be if it remained inactive regarding the situation in Gaza. He noted that despite claims of peace, humanitarian deliveries have not increased, and he referenced the recognition of Palestine by several dozen states in the same chamber just one year prior.
He further condemned continuing violations in the West Bank, pointing out that Hamas has never been active in that territory. Macron emphasized that respecting the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and their right to exist is a prerequisite for genuine security, not a hindrance to it.
Commitments to legal and maritime norms
The French leader reaffirmed his country’s support for the International Criminal Court, signaling a continued commitment to international legal frameworks. Additionally, he called for the free transit of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, identifying the reopening of this strategic waterway as an utmost priority for global trade and stability.
