French President Emmanuel Macron urged Israel to bring its military operations in Lebanon to an end and to respect Lebanon's sovereignty.

"France calls on Israel to put an end to its military operations, to refrain from extending its ground operations, and to respect Lebanon's sovereignty as well as its obligations to the United Nations, particularly concerning UNIFIL," Macron told reporters in Brussels.

The French head of state also slammed Iran for "activating Hezbollah against Israel, despite Lebanon's fundamental interest in staying out of the war," adding that Tehran chose to "expose the people of Lebanon" and keep itself safe. He underscored that Iran and its proxy Hezbollah bear "heavy responsibility for the current situation" in the Middle East region.