French President Emmanuel Macron says France has deployed Rafale fighter jets, air defence systems and radar assets in recent hours to help intercept missiles and drones.

He also confirmed that Paris is dispatching the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, the French Navy’s flagship, towards the Mediterranean.

Macron said France has defence agreements with Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, Jordan and Iraq, and that it “will show solidarity”.

He also addressed Lebanon, where fighting between Hezbollah and Israel has reportedly resumed. Macron described Hezbollah’s attack on Israel as a “big mistake” and warned Israel against launching a ground incursion into Lebanon.