Most Security Council members denounce Israel's Lebanon offensive

France's ambassador to the United Nations on Monday called for an emergency session to address what he termed a major escalation in Lebanon, warning that expanding Israeli military operations threaten to undermine regional stability despite the ceasefire brokered by Washington on April 17. Jerome Bonnafont criticized Tel Aviv's actions and warned that a new occupation would only deepen the conflict, stating that every village bombed and every civilian killed strengthens Hezbollah while weakening the Lebanese executive. "Far from bringing security to Israel and its citizens, a new occupation risks only fueling instability," he said, adding that no security consideration can justify permanent infringement upon state sovereignty.

Russia and China condemn incursion

Russia's representative Vassily Nebenzia drew parallels between Israeli military acts in Lebanon and the situation in Gaza, saying Lebanon is seeing an almost identical replay of the scenario of clearing Gaza with the establishment of large-scale occupation control. He demanded an immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces, warning that without it a genuine ceasefire would be impossible, and linked the Lebanese crisis to broader regional tensions. Nebenzia argued that the deterioration of the situation in Lebanon was a direct result of what he called unjustified aggression by the United States and Israel against Iran.

China's envoy Fu Cong noted that Israeli forces have crossed the Litani River and occupied Balfour Castle, calling it Israel's deepest military incursion in Lebanon in more than 20 years. Fu said Israel's stated plans to further expand ground operations are deeply concerning to the international community.

US blames Hezbollah exclusively

The United Kingdom's Charge d'Affaires James Kariuki condemned what he called reckless and disproportionate escalation of Israeli military action that has exacerbated an already devastating environment for Lebanese civilians. He maintained that US-brokered talks are the only viable path towards a lasting political settlement and the disarmament of Hezbollah.

US envoy Mike Waltz offered a sharply different framing, crediting President Donald Trump's personal leadership and placing the blame entirely on Hezbollah and Iran while making no mention of Israeli violations. "Both de-escalation and peace will come quickly if Hezbollah immediately ceases its attacks," Waltz said, calling on the Lebanese government to assert full sovereignty over its territory. He described Washington as backing Lebanon's effort to free the country from a terrorist organization that answers to Tehran.