Panot violently criticizes France’s position after the capture of Beaufort Fortress by the Israeli army

The president of the parliamentary group of La France insoumise (LFI) in the French National Assembly, Mathilde Panot, estimated on Tuesday that the capture of the Beaufort fortress by the Israeli army constituted “extreme violence”, accusing France and several Western countries of allow Israel to continue its operations in Gaza and Lebanon.

Reacting to the deployment of Israeli soldiers at the historic site of Beaufort Castle, in southern Lebanon, where the Israeli flag was once again raised, the MP stressed during her party’s weekly press briefing in the Assembly that this fortress benefited from enhanced protection under international law.

“It is a high strategic and historical place to which the UN had granted reinforced protection,” declared Mathilde Panot, recalling that the site had served as a base for Israeli forces during the occupation of southern Lebanon until 2000.

“The consent of France and many Western countries to the genocide still underway in Gaza today allows Benjamin Netanyahu to continue his headlong flight and his violations of international law,” lamented the head of the LFI deputies.

The left-wing official also denounced the absence of French measures against Israel, citing in particular the absence of an arms embargo, economic and commercial sanctions or even the maintenance of diplomatic relations.

Mathilde Panot also mentioned the recent announcements by the Israeli government concerning the extension of its operations in the Gaza Strip as well as the creation of a military base in the occupied West Bank, describing these projects as new violations of international law.

These declarations come as since March 2, Israel has been carrying out a vast military campaign in Lebanon which has left 3,371 dead and 10,129 wounded, according to official Lebanese figures.

The conflict has also caused the displacement of more than a million people, according to Lebanese authorities.