Macron talks to Berri, French general meets Aoun as Paris reportedly seeks ceasefire

A phone call took place Thursday between French President Emmanuel Macron and Speaker Nabih Berri, during which they discussed "the dire situation resulting from the Israeli aggression against Lebanon and the recent developments in Beirut's southern suburbs, including the displacement of its residents," Berri's office said.

"This situation poses a real threat to Lebanon," Berri told Macron.

The Speaker also discussed "several proposals" with the French president that could "put an end to this situation."

"President Macron expressed his full interest in the proposals and his readiness to make the necessary contacts and send aid to Lebanon as quickly as possible," Berri's office added.

The Presidency later said that President Joseph Aoun has asked Macron to "intervene to prevent the bombing of Beirut's southern suburbs" and also asked him to "work for a ceasefire as soon as possible."

Aoun had earlier in the day met with French army chief General Fabien Mandon, who was dispatched by Macron.

Al-Modon news portal quoted sources following up on the situation as saying that Mandon will also visit Israel and that "France has begun efforts to achieve a ceasefire in the Israeli war on Lebanon."

"France has begun working on the Lebanon-Tel Aviv line and is carrying proposals for a ceasefire," the report said.

Diplomatic sources said one of the efforts being pursued involves asking Hezbollah to halt its operations against Israel in exchange for a ceasefire, but such a demand is unlikely to be accepted by Hezbollah. It is also understood that the consultations are still in their early stages and that several proposals are under discussion.

The sources also said that the French guest is carrying "a proposal for a cessation of hostilities by both sides in exchange for a de-escalation," noting that this was discussed in Wednesday's call between Macron and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Among the proposed proposals is a halt to the Israeli incursion and a return to the ceasefire agreement, the report said.