French President Emmanuel Macron (Photo: LUDOVIC MARIN/REUTERS)

Macron said Lebanon was prepared to “engage in direct talks” with Israel and urged the Israeli government to seize the opportunity.

“Israel must take this chance to initiate talks and declare a ceasefire, find a lasting solution, and allow the Lebanese authorities to fulfill their commitments to Lebanon’s sovereignty,” Macron said, calling on both Israel and Hezbollah to halt their attacks.

Israeli media reported that the talks could include a US delegation and may be held in either France or Cyprus. The discussions are expected to focus on ending the fighting in Lebanon and addressing the issue of disarming Hezbollah forces.

Conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has escalated again after Hezbollah launched an attack on Israel on March 2. The renewed conflict has caused significant damage in Lebanon. 826 people have been killed, including 65 women and 106 children, while more than 2,000 others have been injured. Hundreds of thousands of residents have been displaced. Large parts of Lebanon’s infrastructure have been damaged, including facilities in the capital, Beirut.