France has said it is unreasonable to expect Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah while the country remains under Israeli bombardment, as it pushes for renewed diplomatic efforts to end the escalating conflict.

France’s special envoy for Lebanon, Jean-Yves Le Drian, stressed that negotiations are the only viable solution, noting that military pressure alone has failed to neutralize the Iran-backed group.

“Israel occupied Lebanon for a very long time and failed to eradicate Hezbollah’s military capacity,” he said. “Therefore, they cannot now ask the Lebanese government to do that job in three days under bombardment.”

Mounting Casualties and Political Constraints

Lebanese authorities say more than 900 people have been killed in Israeli strikes since Hezbollah entered the regional war in support of Tehran.

Lebanon’s government, led by President Joseph Aoun, has expressed willingness to begin direct negotiations with Israel. However, Hezbollah has rejected such talks, while officials fear that attempting to disarm the group could trigger civil war.

Israel has also dismissed Beirut’s proposal for direct negotiations as insufficient, according to sources familiar with the discussions.

France Seeks Mediating Role

France, which maintains longstanding ties with Lebanon, is working alongside the United States to mediate. French officials have presented counter-proposals aimed at ending hostilities, though diplomats say Washington has reacted cautiously and Israel has rejected the plan.

According to a draft proposal seen by Reuters, France’s plan includes a three-month ceasefire period leading to a broader non-aggression pact between Lebanon and Israel. The framework outlines steps such as border demarcation, deployment of a UN-mandated coalition to oversee disarmament, and commitments to reconstruction and economic reform.

Uncertain Path to De-escalation

Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, key disagreements persist. Israel has ruled out immediate direct talks, while Hezbollah continues its military engagement.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot is expected to visit Lebanon soon, as Paris continues to push for a negotiated settlement in a conflict that risks further destabilizing the region.