Macron calls on Israel to seize ceasefire opportunity in Lebanon — urges immediate halt to offensive

French President Emmanuel Macron issued a direct public call on Saturday for Israel to seize a ceasefire opportunity in Lebanon, in the strongest French diplomatic pressure on Israel since the war began on February 28. Macron called on Israel to 'accept this opportunity, open discussions and bring about a ceasefire, find a sustainable solution and allow the Lebanese authorities to fulfill their commitments to Lebanon's sovereignty.' He simultaneously called on Hezbollah to stop its actions, framing the message as directed at both parties while placing the primary onus on Israel to initiate the process. 'Everything must be done to stop Lebanon from descending into chaos,' Macron said. The statement comes after France confirmed its first combat fatality — Chief Warrant Officer Arnaud Frion, killed in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan by an Iranian drone. Macron has been navigating a delicate position: supporting international law and civilian protection while not directly opposing US-Israeli operations. The public ceasefire call marks a more assertive break from the US-Israeli campaign narrative. Macron had earlier thanked the Iraqi Prime Minister for measures to protect French forces. France has also opened talks with Iran on Hormuz passage guarantees, alongside Italy. The convergence of these moves — bilateral Iran talks, ceasefire call, casualty acknowledgment — signals France is pursuing an independent diplomatic track that diverges significantly from the US maximum pressure posture.