Israeli FM Saar Criticizes Joint Western Statement, Highlights Hezbollah Attacks on Israeli Civilians

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar on Tuesday sharply criticized a joint statement issued by the leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom on the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, calling it “a distorted view of reality.” Saar’s remarks came amid intensified hostilities along the Israel-Lebanon border, where Hezbollah has launched a sustained attack campaign targeting Israeli civilians.

The joint statement from the five Western nations expressed grave concern over the escalating violence in Lebanon and called for immediate de-escalation. It urged both Israeli and Lebanese representatives to engage meaningfully in negotiating a sustainable political solution. The statement condemned Hezbollah’s attacks on civilians and infrastructure, including health facilities and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, and called for the organization’s disarmament.

Saar rejected the statement, emphasizing that Israelis have faced unprovoked attacks from Lebanese territory since October 8, 2023. “In the last two weeks, Hezbollah has fired approximately 2,000 missiles, rockets, and drones at Israeli civilians,” he said. He criticized the joint statement for equating Israel’s defensive actions with attacks carried out by a terror organization, and noted that it failed to demand action from the Lebanese government to curb Hezbollah’s operations.

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Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported conducting a series of strikes on Hezbollah infrastructure across Lebanon. The military targeted rocket launch sites in the Al-Qatrani area of southern Lebanon and dismantled command centers of Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force in Beirut. The IDF stated these locations were being used to plan and launch attacks against Israel.

The Israeli army also issued immediate evacuation orders for residents in several Beirut neighborhoods, including Haret Hreik, Ghobeiry, Laylaki, Hadath, Burj al-Barajneh, Tahwitat al-Ghadir, and Shiyah. Army spokesman Avichay Adraee warned that anyone remaining near Hezbollah facilities or personnel could be targeted. Hezbollah, in turn, has continued to attack Israeli troop positions near the border, intensifying the risk of broader conflict.

As tensions escalate, international observers and governments have called for restraint and adherence to international humanitarian law, while Israel maintains that its operations are aimed at defending its civilians from repeated attacks. The situation underscores the continuing volatility of the Israel-Lebanon border and the challenge of achieving de-escalation amid entrenched hostilities.

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