World leaders react as Israel plans potential ground offensive in Lebanon

Reactions are emerging from world leaders after Israel informed the United States of its intention to launch a limited ground operation in Lebanon.

Reports say the operation could commence as early as today, Monday. This development follows Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hezbollah, which has escalated significantly since the elimination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an airstrike on Friday.

Hezbollah’s deputy leader, Naim Qassem, has stated that the group is prepared to face a ground offensive, a threat Israel has been hinting at for days. Israel’s Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, has assured troops near the Lebanese border that they are ready to utilize forces “from the air, sea, and land” to achieve their objectives.

The US has responded to the escalating tensions, with President Joe Biden emphasizing the need for a ceasefire. “I’m more aware than you might know, and I’m comfortable with them stopping. We should have a ceasefire now,” Biden stated.

France: Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Noel Barrot again urged Israel not to undertake any ground invasion of Lebanon. “I (…) urge Israel to refrain from any ground incursion and to cease fire. I call on Hezbollah to do the same and to refrain from any action likely to lead to regional destabilization,” Barrot told reporters while visiting Lebanon.

Syria: Foreign Minister Bassam Sabbagh warned on Monday that the murder of Nasrallah had pushed “the region to the brink of a dangerous escalation and confrontation.”

Britain: “We are ironclad in our support for Israel’s right to self-defence,” a spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer said. “But our very clear message now is, on all sides, (for) all parties to show restraint.”