Emmanuel Macron opened a question Israel doesn't want to hear: the possible suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement. "If Israel continues like this, it's legitimate to raise questions about the agreement," the French president declared at a joint press conference with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.

Macron added that "things clearly cannot remain as they were a few years ago" - diplomatic code for "the situation is unsustainable." But in the same breath, he clarified that "now is not the moment for a hasty confrontation" and that he would wait for the right time to elaborate on the French position.

Classic Macron: brave enough to ask the question, cautious enough not to answer it. The French president announced support for Lebanese authorities in preparing for negotiations with Israel, but Paris won't directly participate. Offering help, but from a safe distance.

The EU-Israel Association Agreement is the legal basis for trade and diplomatic relations. Its suspension would be unprecedented and would send a signal far larger than the document itself. But does the EU have the will for such a step? History shows that Brussels is much better at asking questions than giving answers - especially when Washington stands on the other side.