Berlin, June 1: German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has expressed deep concern over the escalating actions of the Israeli army in southern Lebanon. He urged all parties involved in the conflict to immediately cease hostilities and return to the previously agreed ceasefire.
Wadephul stated that the Israeli military actions are a response to ongoing attacks by Hezbollah on northern Israel. However, any further escalation could worsen the already tense situation and lead to a new wave of displacement among the people of Lebanon.
He emphasized that if the cost of rising military tensions is borne by civilians, and if parts of Lebanon become uninhabitable for an extended period, it will not make the neighboring regions of Israel any safer in the long run.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Sunday that they have captured Beaufort Castle after entering the Beaufort Ridge and Wadi al-Saluki area in southern Lebanon.
According to the IDF, the objective of this operation is to establish military control over the Beaufort Ridge and Wadi al-Saluki area while weakening Hezbollah’s capabilities in the region.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Sunday, “Our brave soldiers have taken control of Beaufort Castle. They proudly raised the flag of the State of Israel and the Golani Brigade there.”
He further remarked, “I want to remind everyone that 44 years ago, this place symbolized the valor of our soldiers, but it also represented deep divisions among us. Today, we have returned to Beaufort in a different manner. We have returned united, with determination, and stronger than ever.”
The IDF claims that Hezbollah was conducting military and combat operations from the Beaufort Ridge and had launched several attacks from this area.
Prime Minister Netanyahu also mentioned that he has instructed the IDF to expand its operations in Lebanon. He stated, “Our army has crossed the Litani River. It has captured strategically important high ground. It has taken control of the Beaufort Ridge. Now, my directive is to strengthen and expand our hold in areas that were previously under Hezbollah’s control.”
Netanyahu described the capture of Beaufort as a significant milestone and a major shift in his government’s policy.
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