France FM Barrot meets Israel FM Sa'ar in Jerusalem — warns against Lebanon ground op, urges Hezbollah designation

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot arrived in Jerusalem on Day 21 (March 20) for a meeting with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, the second leg of his regional shuttle diplomacy after visiting Beirut on Day 20. The visit is part of French efforts to reduce regional tensions and secure a ceasefire in Lebanon. At a press availability, Barrot said he outlined France's reservations about a possible Israeli ground operation in southern Lebanon, and that the Lebanese army must do everything possible to disarm Hezbollah as demanded by the Lebanese government. He said 'there is no obvious short-term way out of the ongoing regional escalation, which has in some ways been unfolding since October 7, 2023,' but that France and its allies 'would continue to work towards trying to find a lasting solution. This must in no way serve as a pretext for inaction.' Sa'ar pushed back, saying Lebanon's government and army 'are not taking any meaningful action against Hezbollah, neither militarily nor in other aspects.' He presented the 'scope of attacks on Israel from Lebanese territory' to Barrot. Sa'ar called on France and the EU to designate 'the entirety' of Hezbollah as a terrorist organization — not only its military wing, as some European countries have done. Israel 'will continue to defend itself and its citizens and will act decisively against all those who seek its elimination,' Sa'ar stated. The Barrot visit produced no announced progress toward a ceasefire.