Macron said France’s donation goes toward a target of €500 million set for the conference. He added that the massive injection of cash was needed to take care of those who have fled the fighting, many from southern Lebanon, and to prevent infighting between locals and the displaced population.
Macron used his speech to blame both Israel and Hezbollah’s regional backer Iran for the plight of the Lebanese. He called on Hezbollah to “cease its provocations” whether these were attacks against Netanyahu’s home or “indiscriminate attacks” on Israel.
He also called on Israel to accept a cease-fire with Hezbollah, adding that “Israel knows its military successes do not lead to victory” in Lebanon, referencing Israel’s multiple invasions of its neighbor. Macron has also called for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
While Macron took aim at Israel, Iran and Lebanon’s divided leaders during his speech, his position on the Middle East has been hard to follow since the Oct. 7 attack on Israel led by Hamas.
The French president and the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have also traded barbs recently over Israel’s refusal to move toward a cease-fire.
