French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday (March 14, 2026) said Lebanon was ready to engage in "direct talks" with Israel and offered to host negotiations in Paris. Read | Iran-Israel war LIVE"The Lebanese government has signalled its willingness to engage in direct talks with Israel," he said on X, adding that "all sections of society must be represented in these talks." "France is ready to facilitate these talks by hosting them in Paris," Mr. Macron said, adding he had spoken to the President and Prime Minister of Lebanon, a former French protectorate. "Everything must be done to prevent Lebanon from descending into chaos," Mr. Macron added. Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem said on Friday (March 13, 2026) his group was ready for a long confrontation with Israel.

Source: The Hindu March 14, 2026 15:39 UTC