Menassa: The priority is to stop Israeli attacks

Lebanese National Defense Minister Michel Menassa discussed bilateral relations between Lebanon and France, especially in the defense field, as well as the latest developments in Lebanon and the region with French Minister for the Armed Forces Alice Rufo. The meeting addressed the situation in southern Lebanon amid ongoing Israeli attacks and the future of UNIFIL after its mission ends later this year. Menassa stressed that the priority is to stop Israeli attacks on Lebanon, withdraw the Israeli army from the south, and avoid any vacuum that may arise from the end of the international force's mission, considering that extending UNIFIL's mandate remains the most appropriate option until an alternative formula is reached. Rufo affirmed that France will continue its efforts with European and international partners to prepare for the post-UNIFIL phase, renewing her country's readiness to contribute to future arrangements aimed at supporting Lebanon's sovereignty and stability.