Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, stated that Israel would prefer to exclude France from ongoing peace efforts with Lebanon.
During a press conference yesterday, Leiter declared: “We would like to keep the French as far away from practically everything as possible, but especially when it comes to peace negotiations.”
His remarks come after 17 countries, including France, urged Israel and Lebanon to seize what they described as an “opportunity” to negotiate peace.
The meeting, held last night, brought together senior US officials, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other representatives from the US Department of State, plus US Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa and Lebanese Ambassador Nada Hamadeh.
Described as “historic”, the talks reportedly showed both parties aligned in their objectives, particularly regarding Hezbollah. Leiter called the situation a “crushing victory over Hezbollah” and emphasised a shared commitment to dismantling the group.
“We are united in this need,” he said. “We discussed possibilities, a long-term vision, how Lebanon can prosper, and what the border could look like — even being crossed in a swimsuit to vacation on the beaches of both countries.”
Despite this, Israel reiterated that it would not discuss a ceasefire with Hezbollah, stating that the purpose of the meeting was to advance efforts toward the group’s disarmament.
When questioned about France’s role, Leiter made Israel’s position explicit: “It is certain that we do not want to see the French interfering in these negotiations,” he told reporters.
Asked whether the Israeli Government had made a co-ordinated effort to exclude France, he responded: “We would like to keep the French as far away from practically everything as possible but especially when it comes to peace negotiations.
“They are not necessary. They have no positive influence, especially not in Lebanon.”
France, which maintains longstanding historical ties with Lebanon, has advocated for including Lebanon in the ceasefire agreement concluded by the US with Iran, a move that has reportedly frustrated Israeli officials.
In addition, Paris recently condemned Israeli strikes on Lebanon carried out on April 8.
Relations between French President Emmanuel Macron and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have also deteriorated since France’s recognition of the State of Palestine last September.
