France warns: What may happen in Lebanon is dangerous

France expresses concern over ending the mission of the UN peacekeeping force UNIFIL in south Lebanon and considers it a major mistake, saying Paris is pressing regionally and internationally, especially at the United Nations, to spare the south a dangerous security vacuum. It reveals complications from major powers, especially the United States, that prevent UNIFIL from continuing its mission or forming an alternative framework. France reaffirms its position calling for an urgent Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory and rejecting the Israeli army's stay in the south. It sees continued Israeli occupation as a major danger and stresses the need to consolidate security and stability on both sides of the border under the UN umbrella. It cites sources saying Paris and Rome are relying on rearranging the post-UNIFIL phase on the success of Gadi Eisenkot in forming a new Israeli government, and that if the region does not enter a new round of wars, it is possible to reach an understanding with Washington on an approach to establish mutual security equations between Lebanon and Israel, including an international force acceptable to all parties and security arrangements reviving the ceasefire under international supervision and direct US sponsorship.