PARIS—The French foreign ministry issued a formal denial on Saturday refuting claims of a proposed French-led initiative to halt hostilities between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants in Lebanon. In a statement distributed to Agence France-Presse, the ministry clarified that while France supports diplomatic engagement between Lebanon and Israel, it does not endorse or advance any unilateral framework for negotiations.
The ministry emphasized, “France has supported the Lebanese authorities’ openness to direct talks with Israel and has offered to facilitate them. However, it is for the parties, and only the parties, to set the agenda for these talks.” This position underscores France’s commitment to a mediation role that respects the autonomy and sovereignty of both conflict parties.
The clarification came in response to a report published earlier Saturday by U.S. news outlet Axios, which cited three anonymous sources claiming that France had drafted a proposal involving Lebanese recognition of Israel in exchange for a ceasefire. The French statement implicitly distanced itself from such a framework, reinforcing that agenda-setting must remain with the involved governments and armed factions.
Meanwhile, a Lebanese official confirmed to AFP that Beirut is preparing to form a delegation to engage in negotiations with Israel, signaling a potential diplomatic opening despite the absence of an externally imposed roadmap. The ongoing clashes between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah have raised international concerns over regional escalation, drawing attention from multiple global powers seeking de-escalation.