BEIRUT—During a visit to Beirut on Tuesday, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock cautioned that a “miscalculation” could lead to a full-scale war between Israel and the Lebanese group Hezbollah, urging both sides to exercise restraint.
Baerbock’s visit, which followed her trips to Israel and the Israeli-occupied West Bank, included discussions with Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib. The talks focused on the escalating tensions between Hezbollah and the Israeli army.
A statement from the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted the importance of preventing an escalation and expanding the conflict. Baerbock underscored Germany’s concerns about the current tensions, warning of the severe consequences if both Hezbollah and Israel reject a cease-fire.
Bou Habib reaffirmed Lebanon’s commitment to peaceful solutions amid its current challenges and called for international support to strengthen Lebanon’s armed forces.
Baerbock also expressed concern over ongoing clashes in southern Lebanon, stressing that the failure to achieve a cease-fire could escalate into a regional war, impacting not just Lebanon and Israel but the entire region.
Her visit comes at a time of heightened tensions, with fears of a broader conflict increasing after the Israeli army approved plans for a “wide-scale attack” on Lebanon. The situation along the Lebanon-Israel border has intensified with cross-border attacks between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, as Israel continues its offensive on the Gaza Strip, which has resulted in nearly 37,600 deaths since October 7 last year.–News Desk