Gantz Urges Berlin to Assist in Repelling Hezbollah from Border

Israeli minister Benny Gantz has communicated to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz that Germany has a significant role in addressing the threat posed by Hezbollah at Israel’s northern border with Lebanon.

Gantz, in a post on a social media platform in English, shared details of his phone conversation with Scholz. He stressed the importance of eliminating the threat from Hezbollah for the security of Israeli citizens and regional stability. Gantz emphasized that Israel cannot tolerate such a threat and highlighted the crucial role of Germany and the international community in ensuring this threat is mitigated.

Since the outbreak of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah on October 8, the conflict has resulted in over 150 deaths on the Lebanese side, including Hezbollah fighters and more than 20 civilians, with three journalists among them. On the Israeli side, the conflict has claimed the lives of at least four civilians and nine soldiers, as per military data.

The escalating border violence led Israel to evacuate approximately 60,000 residents from northern Israel. In Lebanon, the International Organization for Migration reports that around 72,437 people have been displaced due to the conflict.

Israel is actively advocating for Hezbollah’s withdrawal to an area north of the Litani River, which is located roughly 30 kilometers north of the Israeli-Lebanese border.