Speaking during a cabinet meeting in Seoul, Lee said the South Korean citizens had been detained without valid legal grounds and suggested the incident required a firm diplomatic response from his government.

Lee did not provide further details regarding the identities of the detained nationals or the circumstances surrounding the arrests.

The remarks marked one of the strongest public criticisms of Israel by the South Korean administration since escalating tensions in the Middle East triggered broader international scrutiny over maritime operations and regional security measures.

Lee also referred to international legal pressure facing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying many European countries appeared prepared to act on warrants issued by the International Criminal Court.
However, Lee said South Korea would make an independent assessment regarding any potential legal or diplomatic measures involving Israel.

The comments come amid heightened international debate over maritime interdictions, humanitarian flotillas and military operations linked to the conflict in Gaza and wider regional tensions involving Israel and its allies.

Neither Israeli officials nor South Korea’s foreign ministry immediately issued additional public statements regarding the detentions.

Macron made the remarks at the start of a defense meeting with advisers and cabinet members, according to official statements.While endorsing the ceasefire as a step toward de-escalation, Macron emphasized that broader regional stability would require addressing tensions affecting Lebanon.

The French president did not provide further details on how Lebanon could be incorporated into the agreement, but underscored the urgency of the situation there in the context of ongoing regional developments.

France has been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, and Macron’s comments reflect Paris’s continued focus on preventing spillover effects from wider conflicts.