An Israeli ground invasion of Lebanon could lead to catastrophic conflict, a senior diplomat warned, as the IDF may encounter British-trained troops. Rami Mortada, Lebanon’s ambassador to London, stated that Lebanese forces would not “stand idly by and watch” if Israel invaded or launched a significant aerial attack.
This follows a report of over 50 Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon on the previous night, amidst rising concerns of escalating Middle East tensions. These airstrikes represent Israel’s most intense assault on Lebanon in nearly a year. Meanwhile, global leaders in Paris urged de-escalation.
Mortada emphasized that Hezbollah has grown into a “formidable fighting force” and cautioned that a regional war could radicalise new generations in Europe. He stressed the dire consequences of such a conflict, especially for Lebanon, and urged efforts to avoid this scenario.
BREAKING 🚨
NASRALLAH making his speech.. 📟
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David Lammy urged British nationals to leave the region due to the rapidly deteriorating situation. He had spoken with Lebanon’s PM Najib Mikati, expressing deep concern over rising tensions and civilian casualties.
The White House also called for a diplomatic resolution, expressing fears of potential escalation. Earlier in the week, attacks attributed to Israel destroyed Hezbollah communication devices, resulting in 37 deaths and around 3,000 injuries in Lebanon.
On Thursday, Israel’s military reported that its jets targeted multiple rocket launchers in southern Lebanon, planning to fire on Israel. This operation included over 52 strikes after 9 p.m., according to Lebanon’s state news agency NNA. Three Lebanese security sources described these as the heaviest airstrikes since the conflict began in October. No immediate casualties were reported.
Israel’s military pledged to continue targeting Hezbollah, stating that Thursday’s strikes hit about 100 rocket launchers and other targets in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, in a televised address, accused Israel of crossing all limits and laws, describing the attacks as potential war crimes. He acknowledged significant losses in Hezbollah’s communication network and vowed retribution against Israel.
Despite Nasrallah’s address, Israeli warplanes continued to fly over Beirut. Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has been an ally of Hamas, which has been in conflict with Israel in Gaza since October 7. The conflict has led to numerous deaths and forced many to flee their homes. Nasrallah promised to continue Hezbollah’s fight against Israel until a Gaza ceasefire is achieved, with Hamas welcoming this support. Hezbollah reported 25 members killed in the device explosions.
Lebanon’s Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib condemned the attacks as a blatant assault on Lebanon’s sovereignty. He indicated that Lebanon had lodged a complaint with the UN against what it termed Israel’s “cyber-terrorist aggression.” Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned Israel of a severe response from the resistance front after the blasts, which also injured Tehran’s ambassador in Beirut.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called for restraint to avoid actions that could hinder a Gaza ceasefire. He joined European foreign ministers in Paris to discuss the crisis. In Madrid, Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas called for a new peace conference to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israel has not officially commented on the detonations, suspected to be the work of its Mossad agency.
The Lebanese mission to the UN accused Israel of detonating the devices through electronic messages and implanted explosives. The UN Security Council will meet to discuss the blasts, with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati urging a firm stance against Israel’s actions.
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant stated that Israel would continue its military actions against Hezbollah, emphasizing the ongoing risks and opportunities in the conflict. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held consultations with his ministers following the death of two Israeli soldiers in northern Israel on Thursday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What could trigger an all-out war between Israel and Lebanon?
An Israeli ground invasion or heavy aerial attack on Lebanon could trigger all-out war.
How has Lebanon responded to Israel’s recent attacks?
Lebanon’s ambassador stated troops would not ‘stand idly by’ and called for avoiding conflict.
What did Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah say about the attacks?
Nasrallah called the attacks ‘war crimes’ and vowed ‘tough retribution’ against Israel.
What has been the reaction of international leaders to the conflict?
World leaders, including U.S. officials, have called for de-escalation and restraint.
How has the conflict affected civilians in Israel and Lebanon?
The conflict has forced tens of thousands on both sides to flee their homes.
