France seeks UN meeting on Israel’s advance in Lebanon

France called an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council as Israeli forces advanced into southern Lebanon, seizing a historic landmark as a base for expanded offensives against Hezbollah.

“Nothing can justify the continuation of Israel’s military operations in Lebanon and its ever deeper occupation of Lebanese territory,” Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot told French broadcaster BFMTV. he said.

Earlier in the day, the Israeli military said it would step up action to destroy assets against Hezbollah after raising the country’s flag over the strategically important Beaufort Castle, a 12th-century fortress that dominates the surrounding area.

Barrot said that he requested the meeting of the Security Council because it meant further escalation of the development.

While France recognized Israel’s right to self-defense against attacks by Iranian-backed militias, it said “nothing can justify this development.”

He said it was also a “serious mistake” and a violation of international law.