Lebanon FM warns of ‘devastating’ regional war if Israel escalates tensions

Lebanon’s caretaker Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib has warned against the fallout of a full-blown Israeli war on his country, as tensions continue to escalate between the Hezbollah resistance movement and the Tel Aviv regime. 

If there is war, it “is going to be not just devastating to Lebanon, it’s going to be devastating to Israel, and possibly to neighboring countries, Jordan and Syria. It’s going to be terrible,” the top Lebanese diplomat said in an exclusive interview with al-Monitor news website during his visit to Washington.

He stressed the “need for dialogue and calm,” noting that “the security of southern Lebanon depends on the full and comprehensive implementation of Resolution 1701, which ended the 33-day 2006 Israeli onslaught on the country, support for the Lebanese army, and conclusion of a final agreement on the southern borders.”

Bou Habib further noted that “the Israeli invasion of Lebanon, if it breaks out, could trigger a regional war in which external parties would be involved.” Therefore, he underlined “the need for all parties to prioritize dialogue and peaceful solutions.”

The Lebanese foreign minister then referred to the ongoing diplomatic efforts, including those led by international partners, which aim to ease tensions and enhance stability along Lebanon’s southern border.

Hezbollah decimates Israeli military, espionage sites as retaliatory strikes continue apace

Lebanon’s Hezbollah resistance movement says it has targeted the Israeli military forces and equipment in the northern part of the occupied Palestinian territories.

He stressed “Lebanon’s commitment to the initiatives that enhance regional peace and security.”

Bou Habib also reiterated his country’s “readiness to participate constructively in international efforts aimed at preventing conflict and achieving lasting peace” in West Asia.

Hezbollah and Israel have been exchanging deadly fire since early October last year, shortly after the regime launched a genocidal aggression against the Gaza Strip following a surprise operation by Hamas.

The Lebanese resistance movement has vowed to keep up its retaliatory attacks as long as the Israeli regime continues its Gaza war, which has so far killed at least 38,345 Palestinians, mostly women and children, in Gaza.

Hezbollah officials have repeatedly said they do not want a war with Israel, while stressing that they are prepared in case it occurs.

Two Israeli wars waged against Lebanon in 2000 and 2006 were met with strong resistance from Hezbollah, resulting in the retreat of the regime in both conflicts.

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