Lebanon Q&A Extract from the press briefing (20 September 2024)

Q: - With regard to the two days of attacks, on Tuesday and Wednesday, via booby-trapped communications devices that mainly but not exclusively targeted Hezbollah operatives, does France believe that this method of warfare is legal? Is this method preferable to missile strikes? What is France doing for the Lebanese victims, and what is France doing for any French-Lebanese dual citizens who have been wounded?

• With regard to the recent detonation of electronic devices in Lebanon, did France receive advance notice from the relevant actors? What measures will France take to protect the Lebanese people and French citizens in Lebanon?

A: On September 19, President Macron spoke with the Lebanese authorities about the recent events and sent a message to the people of Lebanon. We refer you to those statements. We also refer you to yesterday's statements by the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

France will resolutely continue its efforts to restore calm along the Blue Line and to ensure the safety of civilian populations in Israel and Lebanon. The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs is also working hard to ensure the safety of French citizens in Lebanon.

Our Consulate General in Beirut is relaying our security advisories to French nationals registered with the Consulate who live or are traveling in Lebanon. Messages are also posted on our Embassy's website and social media, and on our travel advisory page. And they are being sent to French nationals traveling in Lebanon via our electronic bulletin, Le Fil d'Ariane.