French Foreign Ministry spokesperson Christophe Lemoine confirmed that "France continues its ongoing efforts to avoid escalation in the border area between Israel and Lebanon." He added during a press conference that France "welcomes the positive response from the Lebanese authorities to its proposals to resolve the crisis," noting that "we are carefully considering the comments they have made regarding these proposals."
Lemoine affirmed that "France will continue, in close coordination with its partners, its communications to progress towards a diplomatic solution, while respecting the sovereignty and security of both countries." He continued, "Since the beginning of the war in Gaza, France, in coordination with its partners, has been working to avoid regional escalation that could be devastating for both Lebanon and Israel."
Lemoine revealed that "in the context of the exchange of fire between Israel and Lebanon, the European foreign and defense ministers have visited the region several times since October 7 to urge all parties involved to exercise restraint." When asked if France believes that based on its diplomatic efforts, a possible ceasefire in Gaza could reflect on Lebanon, Lemoine replied: "We continue to work on different fronts," confirming that "they are two different issues but part of the same tense situation in the region."
He added: "We are working diligently; once again, the Lebanese authorities welcomed those proposals, so we are pleased that the suggestions made by the Minister of European Affairs and Foreign Affairs during his visit to the region received a positive reception from the Lebanese authorities."
Lemoine continued: "I don't know how that can be linked to the issue of a truce; of course, we call for a ceasefire concerning Gaza, it is a point we have stated repeatedly, this is the subject of the draft resolution we are particularly working on." He concluded: "In general, we are still in a position where we are working to reduce tensions and avoid regional escalation, especially to prevent any escalation zone on the border between Lebanon and Israel."
