French President Emmanuel Macron has made it clear that France will not tolerate any obstruction to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mission in southern Lebanon, emphasizing the necessity of fully implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

"Nearly 700 of our soldiers are engaged in UNIFIL with numerous partners. Their mission is essential and carried out under conditions whose complexity I fully appreciate," Macron stated in his traditional speech paying tribute to the armed forces on the eve of France’s Bastille Day.

Macron highlighted France's proactive stance in addressing the risks of escalation in the Middle East, particularly amidst the ongoing tragedy in Gaza and the challenges facing Lebanon.

"France is acting to combat the risk of escalation amid the ongoing tragedy in Gaza, the risks facing Lebanon, and the various crisis zones," he stressed. "Along with our allies and partners in the region, we will ensure that no power, either directly or through its proxies, triggers the dreaded conflagration."

Reiterating France's unwavering support for Israel's security, Macron declared it "non-negotiable," while also emphasizing that his country's principles are consistent and do not apply double standards.

"A ceasefire in Gaza is also necessary. And the security of our Lebanese friends must be guaranteed."