Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the leader of France's far left and a possible candidate in next year's presidential election, issued a harsh message to Israel on Monday, calling on President Emmanuel Macron to exert pressure to bring about an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon.
"Israel is invading and annexing all of southern Lebanon. Netanyahu has planted his flag on Beaufort Castle. This French name should remind us that we are connected to Lebanon by a thousand years of history. We owe it rescue, affection and solidarity in the face of murderous cruelty," Mélenchon wrote on his X account.
Mélenchon referred to the deployment of the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to the area of the Persian Gulf, saying, "The aircraft carrier would be a more useful symbol in the Mediterranean than in Hormuz, to remind Netanyahu that his interference in our elections and his invasions of the lands of our friends are perceived as threats by the French. The UN Security Council must condemn Israel and organize the withdrawal of its army from the territory it has invaded."
In a separate post, Mélenchon responded to Macron's statement that he was "concerned" by the Israeli escalation, writing, "Mr. President, I embrace your moral support for Lebanon. I invite you to strengthen it by promoting the establishment of an international front to repel the invasion and demand the immediate withdrawal of Netanyahu's army from the borders of this friendly country. This front could secure a majority at the UN for sending forces under its military command to oversee this withdrawal and protect the immediate ceasefire that will be imposed on the invader."
On Sunday, Macron wrote, "As for regional stability, it must begin with Lebanon, where it is urgent for all sides to cease fire, once and for all. Nothing justifies the major escalation now taking place in southern Lebanon. France will continue to support the Lebanese authorities in their efforts to restore the state's sovereignty and territorial integrity."
