French Foreign Minister Barrot calls on Israel to refrain from ground operations

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has issued a statement regarding Israel's preparations for ground attacks in southern Lebanon. In comments made to the France-based AFP news agency, Barrot emphasized that Israel should refrain from steps toward deploying troops to the region. Pointing out that such a military intervention could have serious consequences, the French minister warned that a potential ground offensive "could lead to very significant humanitarian consequences."

The Foreign Minister stated, "We call on Israeli authorities to refrain from such ground operations, which would have serious humanitarian consequences and further worsen conditions that are already dire."

Minister Barrot also welcomed the Lebanese administration's decision to declare Iran's Ambassador to Beirut, Mohammad Reza Sheibani, persona non grata and expel him. "I welcome the statements and steps taken by the Lebanese government. They made a courageous decision this morning by expelling the Iranian ambassador," Barrot said.

Expulsion of the Iranian ambassador

Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi had stated in a post on his social media account, "Today, I instructed the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants to summon the Iranian Chargé d'Affaires in Lebanon and notify him of the decision to withdraw the accreditation granted to Iran's appointed Ambassador, Mohammad Reza Sheibani, declare him persona non grata, and request that he leave Lebanese territory no later than March 29."

Katz: "Hundreds of thousands will not return south of the Litani River"

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, in an assessment meeting held with Chief of General Staff Eyal Zamir and senior military officials, had stated that Israel would control the region in southern Lebanon extending to the Litani River. Katz said, "The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will continue its operations in Lebanon against Hezbollah with full force. The hundreds of thousands evacuated from southern Lebanon to the north will not return south of the Litani River until the safety of the residents in northern Israel is ensured."

Katz had indicated that a "security zone" would be established south of the Litani River.