Berendonck intends to prevent a potential hot conflict in Lebanon.
In the heart of the Middle East, Foreign Minister Baerbock stepped in to prevent impending chaos. As tension mounted along the border, skirmishes heightened between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants, with Katz, Israel's Foreign Minister, threatening Hezbollah with total annihilation in a full-scale war.
Baerbock cautioned the potential for a blazing war between Israel and Hezbollah during her visit to Lebanon. The constant rocket fire across the Israel-Lebanon border border region increased the danger that a single misstep could lead to an all-out war.
Insisting on utmost restraint, the Minister spoke out after her meeting with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati in Beirut. A meeting with Foreign Minister Abdullah Bou Habib was also scheduled.
Baerbock emphasized the need to resolve Lebanon's deep political crisis and blockade. A sustainable government is crucial for ending the crisis. Germany stands ready to help Lebanon on the path to stability. In light of the large refugee population, Baerbock announced that Germany would provide 18 million euros in humanitarian aid – specifically for food, shelter, and medical care.
Baerbock started her eighth Middle East tour since the Gaza War began in Israel on Monday. In a speech at the Reichman University security conference in Herzlia, she demanded an immediate, verifiable withdrawal of Hezbollah from the Lebanon-Israel border. The escalating violence along Israel's northern border was of significant concern, as the danger of unforeseen escalation and a full-scale war intensified daily.
Hezbollah, backed by Iran and allied with Hamas, is in control of the area near Israel's northern border. Since the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza started on October 7, combat has taken place daily on the border. Given the threats from both sides, the fear of escalation has grown in recent days.
At the Tel Aviv conference, Baerbock urged a complete withdrawal of the militia from the Lebanon-Israel border. The surge in violence at Israel's northern border has raised grave concerns. The risk of an unintended escalation and a full-scale war increases every day, she said.
Israel seeks to resolve the conflict diplomatically, requiring Hezbollah to withdraw beyond the 30-kilometer boundary from the Litani River, as specified in a UN resolution. However, Israel is also prepared for a larger military intervention, hinted Defense Minister Yoav Galant recently. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that after the intensive phase of the Gaza War concluded, the possibility of sending troops to the north would emerge.
The border area between Israel and Hezbollah has been a hotbed of conflict for over eight months. The intensity of the fighting has grown significantly lately. There's a concern that this conflict between Israel and Hezbollah could spill over into a regional conflict, possibly involving the USA, Israel's main ally.
Hezbollah possesses an estimated arsenal of 150,000 rockets that could be launched daily towards Israeli cities and disrupt vital infrastructure in the event of war. Israel's rocket defense system might struggle to cope with a barrage of rockets.
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Baerbock's conviction to maintain peace extended to the Israel-Lebanon border, as she urged Hezbollah to withdraw from its close proximity to Israel, following tensions with Israeli forces. The sensitive region, marked by the presence of Hamas in Lebanon and its alliance with Hezbollah, was a constant source of concern, as the Israeli war continued to simmer. During an address in Beirut, Baerbock emphasized the importance of avoiding a full-scale conflict and advocated for a diplomatic resolution to the crisis.
