UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern today, Friday, over the escalating tensions between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah. He emphasized that UN peacekeeping forces are working to calm the situation and prevent miscalculations.
Speaking to reporters, Guterres stated, “A single reckless action or miscalculation could lead to a catastrophe that far exceeds borders and frankly defies imagination,” according to Reuters.
He further added, “Let’s be clear: the people of the region and the world cannot afford for Lebanon to become another Gaza.”
UNIFIL Reinforces Positions Amid rising threats between the two sides and fears of a large-scale war, Hezbollah and Israeli forces exchanged fire on the border earlier today. Al Arabiya/Al Hadath correspondent reported that UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) began reinforcing some of its positions in southern Lebanon.
New Fortifications
The correspondent also noted that UN forces have established new fortifications at several of their southern posts. Concurrently, Hezbollah announced an aerial attack with a squadron of drones on the Ras Naqoura maritime site, targeting Israeli soldier positions.
Previously, UNIFIL had warned in an interview with Al Arabiya/Al Hadath of escalating clashes between the two sides along the border. They also cautioned that “miscalculations could lead to a sudden and wider conflict.”
American and Israeli Leaks These warnings coincided with American and Israeli leaks suggesting that Israeli forces are prepared for a large-scale ground offensive in southern Lebanon. Southern Lebanon is subject to the provisions of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which called for a cessation of hostilities following the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah after the latter captured two Israeli soldiers. However, the outbreak of war in Gaza on October 7th undermined the said resolution, leading to almost daily clashes between the two sides.
