Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz emphasized on Wednesday that Israel is not seeking an all-out war and instead called for the implementation of a crucial United Nations resolution to maintain peace in the region. Katz's plea for the enforcement of Resolution 1701, which brought an end to the previous conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in 2006, was conveyed through a letter addressed to numerous international counterparts.
In his communication, Katz stressed the importance of immediate action to prevent a full-scale war, stating, 'The world must support Israel at this time, and demand an immediate cessation of Hezbollah’s attacks, its withdrawal to the north of the Litani River, and its disarmament in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1701.' He further highlighted the plight of tens of thousands of Israeli residents who have been displaced from their homes in northern Israel, urging for their safe return.
The statement made by Katz did not directly reference the recent surge in tensions following the assassination of Hamas' political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, an incident that Iran attributed to Israel. Similarly, the killing of a senior Hezbollah commander in Beirut, which Israel claimed responsibility for, was not explicitly mentioned. Notably, Iran's supreme leader has vowed to retaliate against the death of Haniyeh.