Cyprus Times

Macron Calls on Israel for "Direct Talks" with Lebanon, Offers to Host in Paris

Published March 14, 2026, 12:07
Macron Calls on Israel for "Direct Talks" with Lebanon, Offers to Host in Paris

French President Emmanuel Macron has called on Israel to accept "direct talks" with Lebanon, offering to host them in Paris in order to prevent further escalation of the conflict. He stressed the need for Hezbollah to stop its attacks and for Israel to avoid a broad attack on Lebanon. Macron had a telephone conversation with the President of Lebanon, Joseph Aoun, the Prime Minister, Nawaf Salam, and the Speaker of Parliament, Nabih Berri, where the willingness of the Lebanese side to engage in direct talks with Israel was confirmed. Macron emphasized that all Lebanese factions must participate in the talks. France is offering to facilitate and host the talks in Paris, with the aim of reaching a ceasefire and finding a lasting solution. The escalation of the conflict began with Hezbollah's attacks on Israel, in response to the death of an Iranian leader. The leader of Hezbollah, Naim Qassem, has stated he is ready for a "long conflict".