German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock issued a warning on Monday regarding the escalating conflict between Israel and Lebanon, emphasizing the potential catastrophic consequences for the entire Middle East. Baerbock expressed deep concern over the situation along Israel's northern border with Lebanon, describing it as 'more than worrying.'
She stressed the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza to prevent further escalation, highlighting the interconnected nature of conflicts in the region. The recent increase in cross-border attacks between Israeli forces and Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group, has led to evacuations in both northern Israeli settlements and Lebanese villages.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated that the intense phase of the conflict with Hamas in Gaza was nearing its end, raising fears that Israeli military operations could shift towards the northern border with Lebanon.
Baerbock announced her plans to visit Israel and Lebanon in the coming week to engage with key stakeholders. She is scheduled to deliver a keynote address at the Herzliya Security Conference in Israel and hold meetings with Israeli officials, including Foreign Minister Israel Katz and Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa in Ramallah.
Following her engagements in Israel, Baerbock will travel to Lebanon for discussions with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, underscoring Germany's commitment to diplomatic efforts in the region.
