As Tensions Rise in Lebanon, France Pushes for an Emergency U.N. Security Council Meeting

France’s mission to the U.N. appealed today (Sunday) to the Security Council with a request to convene an emergency discussion on "the latest developments and the escalation in Lebanon." The date of the discussion has not yet been set.

It is worth noting that this is not the first time in the past two years that France has called for discussions aimed at requiring Israel to halt strikes in Lebanon. This time as well, France is pushing for an international call for an immediate ceasefire. Israel, for its part, has criticized and previously rejected French proposals, arguing that they prevent Israel from acting to remove the threat posed by Hezbollah. As previously reported, France, together with China and Russia, worked in the Security Council to block resolutions authorizing the use of force against Iran.

Israel’s ambassador to the U.N., Danny Danon, responded today: "The real discussion in the Security Council should be about the ongoing failure to implement Resolution 1701 and about Lebanon’s transformation into an Iranian terror stronghold. For years, Hezbollah has blatantly violated U.N. resolutions, armed itself under Iran’s patronage, and posed a direct threat to Israeli citizens and to regional stability. Those who allowed this reality to develop cannot preach morality to Israel. Israel will continue to act against any threat to its citizens and will defend its security anywhere and at any time."