Hezbollah-Israel clashes during Doha talks aren't sending 'right message': Sejourne in Beirut

French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne arrived in Beirut on Thursday to focus on de-escalating regional tensions — with Hezbollah and Israel engaging in near-daily clashes in southern Lebanon since Oct. 8, amid the ongoing Gaza war.

Sejourne began his visit around 2:30 p.m. with a first stop at Ain al-Tineh to meet with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, before a second meeting scheduled with caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati at 3:30 p.m., and then with his Lebanese counterpart, Abdallah Bou Habib, at 4 p.m., according to the National News Agency (NNA).

In a brief statement following his meeting with Berri, the French minister reaffirmed France's support for Lebanon "at a time when everyone is concerned" about the situation in the country and the Middle East. He also sent a message to the Lebanese authorities calling for "de-escalation," which he is also expected to convey "to other countries in the region."

Earlier in the day, the French foreign minister said on X (formerly Twitter) that his visit to Lebanon was intended to “support ongoing diplomatic efforts for de-escalation in the region.” His visit came 24 hours after that of U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein, who reiterated American positions on the need to reduce escalation in southern Lebanon to prevent a full-scale war between Hezbollah and Israel. The visit also coincided with the start of renewed talks in Doha led by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt to secure a cease-fire in Gaza and a hostage deal. This comes as the regional situation has worsened since late July, following the Gaza war that erupted on Oct.7.

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France supports UNIFIL and Lebanese Army

“We also support the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), as well as the strengthening of the Lebanese Army in southern Lebanon,” Sejourne said. He indicated that France "will work in New York within the framework of discussions to extend UNIFIL’s mandate," which expires on Aug. 31.

“France is here, France supports Lebanon and ... wants a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip, which is necessary for peace in the region,” he added.

A few hours after the meeting, a press release from Ain al-Tineh was released, which summarized the main points of the discussion with Stephane Sejourne and his accompanying delegation, namely reviewing the current situation, the need to avoid regional escalation, and renewing the UNIFIL mandate. French Ambassador Herve Magro was also present.

French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne meets Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in Beirut, Lebanon, August 15, 2024. (Credit: Mohamed Azakir/Reuters)

“Lebanon is committed to the rules of engagement and its right to self-defense against Israeli aggression, which has targeted civilians, media professionals, and doctors, and includes the use of internationally banned weapons,” said the Speaker of Parliament. Berri, who heads the Amal Movement allied with Hezbollah, was referring to the use of white phosphorus munitions, which are heavily restricted by international law.

Berri also emphasized Lebanon’s commitment to extending UNIFIL’s mandate “in line with the French proposal” and to enforcing U.N. Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 conflict between Hezbollah and Israel.

Remain silent, patient, and pray, says Mikati

Sejourne arrived around 3:30 p.m. at the Platinum Tower in Beirut for a meeting with Mikati, according to our sources.

At the end of the meeting, the cabinet's office issued a brief statement in which Mikati stressed the importance of supporting the extension of UNIFIL's mandate, declining to make any further statements to journalists present at the meeting. "In these difficult times, we can only remain silent, patient and pray," he said. Stephane Sejourne then met Abdallah Bou Habib, as planned, to discuss de-escalation efforts. Bou Habib also highlighted that Stephane Sejourne's visit coincided with Air France and Transavia resuming their services to Beirut.

Continued hostilities in South Lebanon 

The French minister said the exchanges of fire between Hezbollah and Israel persisting while the Doha negotiations take place “send the wrong message.” He hoped that the involved parties would avoid escalating the situation while the truce talks take place, which he anticipated would be genuine and would result in an agreement.

Hezbollah and Israel have continued to exchange fire in the border area of southern Lebanon, as they did on Wednesday during the visit of U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein. By 7 p.m., reports indicated that the reciprocal bombardments had caused fewer casualties than the previous day. Only two people were severely injured by Israeli phosphorus artillery in the town of Khiam (Marjayoun district). They were admitted to Marjayoun Governmental Hospital and treated in the emergency room, according to the Health Ministry.

Israeli fighter jets also targeted the town of Yaroun (Bint Jbeil) twice later in the day, according to residents cited by our correspondent Muntasser Abdallah. Hezbollah reported conducting six operations, including one with suicide drones targeting the Khirbet Ma'ar site, across from the Lebanese town of Boustan (Sour).

Finally, one of the two individuals initially reported dead from Wednesday evening’s bombardment in Marjayoun has survived but is in critical condition, according to a new update from the Health Ministry. The victim had suffered a cardiac arrest before being resuscitated in the ambulance. The eight other injured individuals have been taken to various hospitals across the country.