Lebanon clings to diplomatic hope as Israel continues destruction

On 31 May 2026, Israel said its ground operation in southern Lebanon was 'expanding'. Egypt urged a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon, and France called the Israeli advance 'extremely concerning' and sought an emergency UN Security Council meeting. Macron said 'nothing justifies' the escalation in southern Lebanon, and Germany's foreign minister called the advance a cause for serious concern. An Israeli diplomat mocked Macron over the French push. Al Jazeera wrote that Lebanon is clinging to a diplomatic chance while Israel continues and expands its military operations.