Paris, April 17, 2026 - French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed serious concern that the newly agreed 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon "may already be undermined" by continued military operations, just hours after the truce took effect.
The ceasefire, brokered by the United States and announced by President Donald Trump, came into force at midnight local time on Thursday following weeks of escalating cross-border fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. Macron welcomed the truce as a "necessary and welcome first step" to provide relief to civilians on both sides but warned that persistent military activities risk collapsing the fragile agreement.
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- ASIA ONE NEWS (@AsiaOne_News) April 17, 2026
"I fully support the ceasefire," Macron stated on X (formerly Twitter). "I also express my concern that it may already be undermined by the continuation of military operations." He called for the protection of civilians along the Lebanon-Israel border and issued clear demands: "Hezbollah must lay down its arms. Israel must respect Lebanese sovereignty and end the war."
The French leader's remarks come amid reports of violations and ongoing operations in southern Lebanon. France has long advocated for full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which calls for the disarmament of non-state armed groups south of the Litani River and the deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces in the border area.
This latest warning adds to growing international anxiety over the parallel crises in the Middle East. The Lebanon ceasefire is seen as a critical parallel track to the fragile US-Iran truce and the ongoing US naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. Any collapse on the Lebanese front could quickly escalate regional tensions.
France, which has deep historical ties with Lebanon, has been actively pushing for de-escalation and direct talks between Israel and Lebanon, including recent discussions held in Washington.
As the 10-day window begins, analysts say sustained diplomatic pressure and strict adherence by all parties will be essential to prevent a return to open conflict.
