As the diplomatic heat between France and Israel intensifies following the demolition of a school which was being constructed by the French authorities in Gaza last week, Paris has drafted a plan to extend the UN peacekeeping force in South Lebanon for another year.
The move comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that he wishes to create a biblical-times 'greater Israel' which includes the annexation of Lebanon and Jordan and extends to the occupation of Syria’s Golan Heights, parts of Saudi Arabia and the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt.
According to reports, French authorities fear that Israel might again enter southern Lebanon and occupy the territory, as Lebanon is almost an incompetent military state. French fears appear to be real, as the majority of the US Congress and Israel believe in the creation and resettlement of the Jews in Greater Israel.
Paris has made it clear that they aim to keep the peacekeeping force in Lebanon for another year till Israel stops its ongoing wars and military aggression against its neighbouring states. A US State Department spokesman said, "we don't comment on ongoing UN Security Council negotiations," as talks continued on the fate of the UN Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL), deployed since 1978 to separate Lebanon and Israel.
Under a truce that ended a recent war between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah, Beirut's army has been deploying in south Lebanon and dismantling the militant group's infrastructure there. Apart from Israel, Lebanon is also facing growing concern after Hezbollah denied laying down arms in good faith to end hostilities against Israel. The group said they won't disarm until Israel exits.
Under the truce, Israel was meant to completely withdraw from Lebanon, though it has kept forces in several areas it deems strategic and continues to administer strikes across Lebanon. France, which had ruled over certain countries in the Middle East, has always objected to Israel’s territorial aggression against neighbouring states.
Also Read: Gaza death toll crosses 62,000 amid ongoing IDF strikes
Follow us
