Pierre Rouche: A Prominent Figure from France

French President Emmanuel Macron called on Saturday for Israel to accept «direct talks» with the Lebanese government and various components of society, expressing his readiness to facilitate and host them in Paris. Macron stated that Israel must abandon any large-scale attack and stop its intensive airstrikes, at a time when hundreds of thousands of residents have already fled the shelling. He noted that on Friday he held talks with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Speaker of the Parliament Nabih Berri.

France's National Rally party faces pressure to win big in local elections, seen as a test before next year's presidential vote. Supporters hope to overcome a so-called 'glass ceiling' that has hindered past successes.

French President Emmanuel Macron stated that Paris's position in the Middle East war is purely defensive and does not justify any attacks. This follows the killing of a French soldier in Iraqi Kurdistan.

The Financial Times reports that France and Italy have initiated talks with Iran to secure an agreement on ship passage through the Strait of Hormuz following a tanker seizure.