France sends additional forces to Middle East, calls for UN Security Council meeting

France announced it is deploying additional military resources to the Middle East to support Israel following recent escalations in the region.

The French government made the statement early Wednesday after an emergency security cabinet meeting, during which it discussed the growing regional crisis.

“Committed to Israel’s security, France today mobilized its military resources in the Middle East to counter the Iranian threat,” the French presidency said in a statement. The announcement follows Tehran’s missile strikes on Israel, further raising tensions in the region.

Military response and diplomacy

While the French government did not specify the additional military assets being sent, it confirmed that the deployment is part of broader efforts to ensure the security of Israel. The defense ministry has not yet provided further details.

President Emmanuel Macron also reiterated France’s demand for Hezbollah to stop its “terrorist actions against Israel and its population.” The French government has been vocal in its stance against Hezbollah‘s involvement in the conflict.

In parallel, Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot held discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to coordinate diplomatic efforts. The French and U.S. governments had attempted to broker a temporary cease-fire in Lebanon last week, though the situation remains volatile.

UN Security Council meeting

The French foreign ministry confirmed it had convened a United Nations Security Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday afternoon to address the escalating situation in the Middle East.

The meeting is expected to focus on diplomatic measures to mitigate the threat and prevent further escalation.