German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called on Israel to immediately halt its military attacks in Lebanon and warned that escalation risks undermining efforts to achieve a lasting ceasefire between the US and Iran.
Speaking at a press conference in Berlin, Merz expressed deep concern about the situation in southern Lebanon and said that Germany is working with European and regional partners on diplomatic efforts to defuse the conflict.
"The intensity with which Israel is waging war there could cause the entire peace process to fail, and this must not happen. For this reason, yesterday, together with other heads of state and government, I called on the Israeli government to stop the intensified attacks," Merz said.
Merz said he is in personal contact with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the developments. He added that German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul spoke twice yesterday with his Israeli counterpart Gideon Sa'ar to convey Berlin's position.
'As in recent weeks, we are coordinating closely and continuously with our partners in Europe and beyond,' he added.
Yesterday, Israel carried out one of the largest attacks in Lebanon since the start of its military offensive against Hezbollah early last month. According to Lebanon's Civil Defense, the attacks killed at least 254 people and wounded 1,165 others.
