Macron: Nothing justifies Israel's escalation in Lebanon

French President Emmanuel Macron has condemned the growing escalation in southern Lebanon, saying the intensifying conflict cannot be justified and calling for a lasting end to the fighting.

In a message posted on X after speaking with regional leaders, Macron said that “nothing justifies the major escalation under way in south Lebanon” and stressed the need to bring the violence “to an end for good”.

His remarks come as Israel expands its military operations deeper into Lebanese territory, with attacks continuing to kill civilians, damage infrastructure and displace communities across the country's south.

Macron also underlined the importance of diplomacy, saying it was “essential” that the United States and Iran quickly reach an agreement, amid efforts to prevent the conflict from widening further across the region.