Israel must stop hostilities in Lebanon, U.S. must pressure Israel, French Minister says

Israel must ​stop its hostilities in ‌Lebanon and the ​United ⁠States must put pressure on Israel, French ‌Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot ‌said on ‌Friday (June 19, 2026).

Israel ⁠said on ⁠Thursday (June 18) it would not rule out carrying ​out attacks ‌beyond a military control zone in southern Lebanon ‌in a challenge ​to the terms of a ⁠U.S.-Iran pact that called for ‌the respect of Lebanon’s sovereignty.

Mr. Barrot, speaking to French broadcaster franceinfo, said ‌that France was still working ​to hold an international ⁠conference to mobilise support ⁠for the Lebanese army. 

Israel’s military said on Friday (June 19) its forces struck targets throughout southern Lebanon overnight as Hezbollah reported intense fighting in the area, threatening the nascent agreement between Iran and the United States to end their war.

Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported at least 16 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes, which the Israeli military said were ongoing.

Continued fighting in Lebanon could unravel the newly signed deal, which calls for an immediate halt to military operations “on all fronts, including in Lebanon,” where Israel has been battling the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group, and for ensuring Lebanon’s “territorial integrity and sovereignty.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces elections later this year, has refused to withdraw, saying Israeli forces will remain in Lebanon until the threat from Hezbollah has been eliminated.

(With inputs from Reuters, AP)