French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot voiced concern on Friday over a possible Israeli ground offensive in southern Lebanon, saying he had conveyed Paris’ reservations during talks with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar.

Speaking to reporters after their meeting in Tel Aviv, Barrot said France opposes further escalation even as it presses for steps to reduce tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border. He stressed that the Lebanese army must do “everything possible” to disarm the Iran-backed Hezbollah group, in line with demands from the Lebanese government.

Barrot’s visit to Israel followed a trip to Lebanon a day earlier as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the crisis and push for a ceasefire.

“There is no obvious short-term way out of the ongoing regional escalation, which has in some ways been unfolding since October 7, 2023,” Barrot said. “But this must in no way serve as a pretext for inaction.”

For his part, Saar reiterated Israel’s position that “the Lebanese government and its army are not taking any meaningful action against Hezbollah, neither militarily nor in other aspects.”

Saar added that he had outlined Israel’s “precise operations” targeting Hezbollah operatives while seeking to minimize civilian harm.

“Israel will continue to defend itself and its citizens and will act decisively against all those who seek its elimination,” he said, urging France and the European Union to designate Hezbollah in its entirety as a terrorist organization, rather than limiting such classification to its military wing.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, who met Barrot in Beirut on Thursday, had expressed openness to direct negotiations with Israel. Hezbollah, however, has rejected such a move and continues to fight. Barrot said France and its allies would continue efforts to reach a lasting solution, even as prospects for a near-term breakthrough remain unclear.