War between Israel, Lebanon would have ‘disastrous consequences,’ German foreign minister warns

BERLIN

Growing tensions between Israel and Lebanon could trigger a war with “disastrous consequences” for the entire Middle East, Germany’s foreign minister warned on Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters in Jerusalem after her meeting with Israeli counterparts, Annalena Baerbock said the situation is “very serious’ and could get out of control in the coming days and weeks.

“With every rocket over the Blue Line, the danger grows that the situation will get out of control, the danger grows that a miscalculation will trigger a hot war. All those who bear responsibility must therefore exercise the utmost restraint, and above all, Hezbollah must stop firing at Israel,” she said.

The minister underlined that during her talks in Beirut later in the day, she will deliver clear messages, and will try to contribute to a de-escalation of the situation. Baerbock said Germany’s concerns are also shared by the Americans, European countries, and their Arab partners.

“We all want to prevent a war between Lebanon and Israel because it would have devastating consequences for both countries, devastating consequences for the region, but also devastating consequences for all of us in the international community. The region would be threatened by a conflagration, and it is precisely this conflagration that we must prevent together,” she said.