Jordan Bardella, president of France’s National Rally party, said Wednesday that Israel’s military campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon is part of a broader struggle for survival, offering a position that contrasts with much of Europe’s response to the conflict.

In an interview Wednesday evening with French television network BFMTV, Bardella was asked whether Israel’s actions in Lebanon were disproportionate.

He declined to criticize Israel and described the situation as a matter of national security.