Israeli officials are adamant about retaining the ability to strike Lebanon at any time as part of the conditions for a potential ceasefire with Hezbollah, revealed French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on Wednesday, Reuters reported.
During a parliamentary hearing, following discussions held in occupied al-Quds with Israeli officials last week, Barrot noted that this stance is becoming increasingly prominent in Israeli discourse.
"Today we hear in Israel voices calling for it to keep a capacity to strike at any moment or even enter Lebanon, as is the case with its neighbor Syria," indicated Barrot, who held last weeks talks with Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer and new Security Minister Israel Katz.
The top French diplomat argued that such a position "is not compatible with the sovereignty of a strong country," pointing to broader international efforts to strengthen governance in Lebanon.