The meeting comprised a private session between the two foreign ministers, followed by an expanded discussion. They discussed various regional issues, including Hamas and the hostages in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and the issue of Iran. Foreign Minister Sa’ar extended an invitation to his French counterpart to visit Israel in the near future.
After the meeting, FM Sa’ar held a press conference at the Israeli embassy. In his statement, Foreign Minister Saar remarked: “Iran is a country with an extremist regime that seeks to destabilize the region, promote the Islamist revolution, and spread terrorism. It is imperative that the most extreme regime in the world does not obtain the most dangerous weapon in the world. Preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons is a common goal for France and Israel.
Hamas is seeking to renew the conflict by refusing to release our 59 hostages and to lay down its arms. Israel will not abandon any of its kidnapped citizens, nor will it agree to return to the reality prior to October 7 and the ongoing threat to the security of its citizens from the Gaza Strip.
France and Israel are interested in stability in Lebanon, the continuation of the ceasefire and the liberation of Lebanon from Iranian occupation. Israel has a supreme obligation to maintain its security and the security of its citizens. All of our actions are intended to serve this goal. Hezbollah must not be allowed to recover and re-arm itself. There is cooperation between Iran, Hezbollah and Hamas. We will not allow actions against Israel from Lebanon, and we will not permit a return to the reality of October 6th on any of our borders.”
