French left-wing leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon strongly criticised Israel and called for a more assertive French response to developments in Lebanon.
In a post on X, Mélenchon wrote that Israel was “invading and annexing all of southern Lebanon” and referred to Israeli soldiers as “genocidal barbarians.”
Referring to Beaufort Castle occupied by Israel, he stated: “Netanyahu has raised his flag over Beaufort Castle. This French name should remind us that we are linked to Lebanon by a thousand years of history. We owe Lebanon support, affection and solidarity.”
Mélenchon argued that the French aircraft carrier should be deployed in the Mediterranean rather than the Strait of Hormuz. According to his post, such a deployment would serve as a political signal to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and demonstrate French opposition to Israeli military actions in Lebanon.
He also called for the United Nations Security Council to condemn Israel and organize the withdrawal of Israeli forces from territories it occupies.
Separately, France’s foreign minister announced that France had requested an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council following reports that Israeli forces had reached the area of Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon.
