Barrot praised Lebanon’s government for expelling the ambassador of Iran, calling the move “courageous” after Hezbollah — backed by Tehran — fired rockets into Israel earlier in March. Israel subsequently re-invaded Lebanon, having pulled back in 2024 after a short conflict during which it also targeted Hezbollah. “I want to commend the statements and actions of the Lebanese government … which this morning took a courageous decision by deciding to expel the Iranian ambassador,” Barrot said, adding Hezbollah had “dragged the country … into a war.” Barrot’s warning follows a visit to Lebanon and Israel last week, where he pressed interlocutors from both countries on the risks of further escalation. His comments come as Western leaders harden their message to Israel. In a joint statement from mid-March, the leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy and the U.K. warned that a major Israeli ground offensive would have “devastating humanitarian consequences” and risk prolonging the conflict, urging a political solution. Israel’s operations in Lebanon continued, however. More than a million people in southern Lebanon have fled their …