Tánaiste Micheál Martin has addressed an international donor conference for Lebanon in Paris, stating that Israel must be held accountable for any violations of international law.
While pledging an additional €5 million to support the refugee crisis in Lebanon, Mr. Martin remarked: “I took the opportunity to highlight the severe and systematic breaches of international humanitarian law ensuing from the actions of Israel, Hezbollah, and Hamas during these conflicts.”
“Israel must be held accountable for its actions, particularly regarding the bombing of civilian populations in Lebanon.”
During the conference, international relief organizations reported on the widespread destruction of healthcare facilities and schools in Lebanon.
Mr. Martin also brought attention to Israel’s escalating attacks on northern Gaza, urging the international community to ensure that political and media delegations are permitted to enter the region to “shed light on the situation.”
He remarked that the likelihood of the Occupied Territories Bill passing through the Dáil before the next election was slim, although it is making considerable progress.
Mr. Martin stated that officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs would meet with Senator Francis Black’s legal advisors next week to discuss the possibility of holding a committee hearing before the general election is announced.
“That’s just a matter of weeks away now,” he added.
He explained that following the International Court of Justice’s opinion in July regarding Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories, there now exists a “narrow pathway” enabling the Government to draft legislation aimed at banning the importation of goods from Israeli settlements.
When questioned about the compatibility of the Bill with the EU’s exclusive competence on trade, Mr. Martin responded: “This is precisely what the legislation’s drafting will address.”
“Based on the advice we’ve received, we believe there is a pathway available for public policy positioning to pursue this.”
He continued, “While it will be challenging, amendments are necessary to strengthen the Bill so it can withstand legal scrutiny, as the current draft requires significant revisions.”
According to Mr. Martin, the Bill must comply with the Constitution and the EU’s exclusive competence in trade. He emphasized that the ICJ’s advisory opinion imposes on states the obligation to refrain from actions that would support or aid the illegal occupation of Palestinian territories.
Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati (L) alongside French President Emmanuel Macron
France, which has longstanding ties with Lebanon, has been collaborating with the United States to secure a ceasefire.
However, its influence has waned since Israel initiated a significant offensive against the Iran-backed Hezbollah in September, resulting in widespread displacement and over 2,000 fatalities.
The conference was organized quickly as a demonstration of France’s continued influence in its former protectorate, although attendance from major ministers has been limited.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken chose to undertake a last-minute tour of the Middle East in advance of next month’s election, opting to miss the Paris meeting while sending a deputy in his stead.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, whose nation has been hesitant to engage in Lebanon, is also absent.
As outlined in a framework document presented to delegations, the conference aims to reinforce the need to halt hostilities in line with the 2006 UN Security Council resolution 1701, which requires southern Lebanon to remain free of troops or weapons except those of the Lebanese state.
Additionally, the conference seeks to mobilize the international community to assist the estimated 500,000 to 1 million displaced individuals, as Lebanon indicates it needs €230 million each month to address the crisis.
Moreover, efforts will be made to bolster support for the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), recognized as key to internal stability and crucial for enforcing resolution 1701.
This includes ensuring the payment of salaries, provision of food and medical supplies, and the delivery of equipment and training, to enable the LAF to expand its ranks and eventually deploy in the south, according to officials.
“It is vital that we make progress and deliver tangible responses,” a representative from the French presidency stated ahead of the conference.
Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati and essential ministers involved in relief operations are in attendance, but neither Israel—whose Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the initiative—nor Iran were invited.
During the conference, Mr. Mikati emphasized the necessity for international support to strengthen and expand Lebanon’s military and to rebuild the nation’s devastated infrastructure.
He stated that the Lebanese government has resolved to recruit additional troops, with plans to deploy 8,000 soldiers to help implement a ceasefire and adhere to the UN Security Council resolution which mandates the army’s deployment in the south.
President Emmanuel Macron announced that France would provide aid amounting to €100 million to Lebanon, while Germany has pledged €96 million.
Questions have arisen regarding Franco-US coordination.
France is also urging Lebanese parties—despite some reluctance—to advance the election of a president to fill a two-year power vacuum preceding a potential ceasefire.
Diplomats remain uncertain regarding the political outcomes achievable, although France claims its direct communications with Hezbollah and Iran provide a significant advantage over US mediation efforts.
The cooperation between Paris and Washington is reportedly delicate.
US Special Envoy Amos Rothstein was in Beirut on Monday, indicating that the US is strategizing on a resolution to end the conflict permanently and suggested that merely committing to a prior UN resolution would be insufficient.
He did not mention Paris, despite meeting with President Emmanuel Macron’s diplomatic adviser the previous day.
“France is advocating for a ceasefire and recognizes that Hezbollah is unlikely to be eradicated. It does not wish to lose its investment in this relationship,” according to a Middle East diplomat. “Conversely, the US is focused on the destruction of Hezbollah and is encouraging Israel to escalate its actions.”
European officials have criticized Washington for not demanding an immediate ceasefire, fearing the Biden administration will not shift its stance before the election on November 5.
“What the French aim to achieve with this conference is quite ambiguous,” remarked a Western diplomat. “The French are unhappy with the US for permitting Israeli military operations to persist, and the US seeks to maintain some distance from the French.”
